3D Digital Imaging Technology for Apparel Sales and Manufacture

ABSTRACT

A manufacturing flow of apparel such as jeans uses a laser to finish the products. The products are designed using a digital design tool, where photorealistic previews are generated in three dimensions and two dimensions. Imagery of the products are sent to retailers where customers can order the products, such as online orders. Imagery of the products are sent to factories where the products are finished. Based on the imagery, the factories make adjustments to the processes as needed so that the actual products will have an appearance as in the received imagery. As orders are received by the retailers, the factories can manufacture the desired products on demand, and the products can be delivered to customers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application63/260,060, filed Aug. 6, 2021, which is incorporated by reference alongwith all other references.

DESCRIPTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparel manufacturing and, morespecifically, to manufacturing using a mobile finishing center finishingcenter for finishing garments to have a faded, distressed, washed, orworn finish or desired appearance. The mobile finishing center can bedriven to a location such as sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl),concerts (e.g., Coachella), or other special event, at which garmentscan be processed on site.

In 1853, during the California Gold Rush, Levi Strauss, a 24-year-oldGerman immigrant, left New York for San Francisco with a small supply ofdry goods with the intention of opening a branch of his brother's NewYork dry goods business. Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, Mr.Strauss realized that the miners and prospectors (called the “fortyniners”) needed pants strong enough to last through the hard workconditions they endured. So, Mr. Strauss developed the now familiarjeans which he sold to the miners. The company he founded, Levi Strauss& Co., still sells jeans and is the most widely known jeans brand in theworld. Levi's is a trademark of Levi Strauss & Co. or LS&Co.

Though jeans at the time of the Gold Rush were used as work clothes,jeans have evolved to be fashionably worn everyday by men and women,showing up on billboards, television commercials, and fashion runways.Fashion is one of the largest consumer industries in the U.S. and aroundthe world. Jeans and related apparel are a significant segment of theindustry.

As fashion, people are concerned with the appearance of their jeans.Many people desire a faded or worn blue jeans look. In the past, jeansbecame faded or distressed through normal wash and wear. The apparelindustry recognized people's desire for the worn blue jeans look andbegan producing jeans and apparel with a variety of wear patterns. Thewear patterns have become part of the jeans style and fashion. Someexamples of wear patterns include combs or honeycombs, whiskers, stacks,crackle, and train tracks.

Despite the widespread success jeans have enjoyed, the process toproduce modern jeans with wear patterns takes processing time, hasrelatively high processing cost, and is resource intensive. A typicalprocess to produce jeans uses significant amounts of water, chemicals(e.g., bleaching or oxidizing agents), ozone, enzymes, and pumice stone.For example, it may take about 20 to 60 liters of water to finish eachpair of jeans.

Therefore, there is a need for a technique for finishing garments thatalso reduces environmental impact, processing time, and processingcosts, while maintaining the look and style of traditional finishingtechniques.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A manufacturing flow of apparel such as jeans uses a laser to finish theproducts. The products are designed using a digital design tool, wherephotorealistic previews are generated in three dimensions and twodimensions. Imagery of the products are sent to retailers wherecustomers can order the products, such as online orders. Imagery of theproducts are sent to factories where the products are finished. Based onthe imagery, the factories make adjustments to the processes as neededso that the actual products will have an appearance as in the receivedimagery. As orders are received by the retailers, the factories canmanufacture the desired products on demand, and the products can bedelivered to customers.

In an implementation, a method includes: providing a garment design toolthat is capable of showing a three-dimensional preview image of agarment design (e.g., pair of jeans) on a screen as customized by a userwith a finishing pattern (e.g., wear pattern with whiskers, damageassets, and other); in the garment design tool, providing an option forthe user to select a garment base and upon the user's selection, showingin the screen a first preview image of the selected garment template(e.g., base template according to wash recipe such a dark, medium, orlight fabric templates); in the garment design tool, providing an optionfor the user to select a finishing pattern from a two or more finishingpatterns and upon the user's selection, showing on the screen a secondpreview image of the selected garment template with the selectedfinishing pattern, where each finishing pattern is associated with adigital input file; combining a digital input file (e.g., laser inputfile) associated with the selected finishing pattern with a image of theselected garment template to generate a combined image; and performing atexture mapping of the combined image on a first three-dimensional modelto obtain the first three-dimensional model with textures to be thethree-dimensional preview image.

The combined image can be generated by: generating an adjusted baseimage from the image of the selected garment template without theselected finishing pattern; generating a pattern mask based on thedigital input file associated with the selected finishing pattern; for apixel at a pixel location of the combined image, obtaining a firstcontribution for the pixel location of the combined image by combining afirst value for a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for thepattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for theimage of the selected garment template without the selected finishingpattern; for the pixel at the pixel location of the combined image,obtaining a second contribution at the pixel location for the combinedimage by combining a second value for a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the pattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the adjusted base image; combining the first contributionand second contribution to obtain a color value for a pixel at the pixellocation for the second preview image; and using the color value for thepixel at the pixel location in the combined image.

In an implementation, a method includes: providing a garment design toolthat shows a preview image of a garment design on a screen as customizedby a user with a finishing pattern; in the garment design tool,providing an option for the user to select a garment base and upon theuser's selection, showing in the screen a first preview image of theselected garment template; in the garment design tool, providing anoption for the user to select a finishing pattern from a two or morefinishing patterns and upon the user's selection, showing on the screena second preview image of the selected garment template with theselected finishing pattern, wherein each finishing pattern is associatedwith a digital input file; combining a digital input file associatedwith the selected finishing pattern with a image of the selected garmenttemplate to generate a combined image; performing a texture mapping ofthe combined image onto a first three-dimensional model to obtain afirst texture-mapped model; performing a texture mapping of the combinedimage onto a second three-dimensional model to obtain a secondtexture-mapped model, wherein the second three-dimensional model isdifferent from the first three-dimensional model; generating a pluralityof two-dimensional first images from the first texture-mapped model; andgenerating a plurality of two-dimensional second images from the secondtexture-mapped model.

In an implementation, a system includes a digital design tool,generating at least a digital input file including a finishing pattern,wherein the digital design tool generates a three-dimensionalphotorealistic visualization of a finishing pattern of a garment on acomputer screen and allows editing of the finishing pattern. The editingpermitted by the digital design tool includes selecting a firstcombination of a garment template and a first finishing pattern fromplurality of finishing patterns, and saving the first combination as thefirst apparel design. A three-dimensional photorealistic visualizationof the first apparel design includes displaying on a screen athree-dimensional model with textures of the first apparel design. Afirst three-dimensional model with textures of the first apparel designis obtained by performing a texture mapping of the first apparel designonto the first three-dimensional model. A second three-dimensional modelwith textures of the first apparel design is obtained by performing atexture mapping of the first apparel design onto the secondthree-dimensional model. The second three-dimensional model is differentfrom the first three-dimensional model. A set of two-dimensional firstimages is generated from the first three-dimensional model with texturesof the first apparel design. A set of two-dimensional second images isgenerated from the second three-dimensional model with textures of thefirst apparel design.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a process flow for manufacturing apparel such as jeans,where garments are finished using a laser.

FIG. 2 shows a finishing technique that includes the use of a laser.

FIG. 3 shows a weave pattern of a denim fabric.

FIG. 4 shows a laser beam striking a ring-dyed yarn having indigo-dyedfibers and white core fibers.

FIG. 5 shows the laser using a first power level setting or firstexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove some of thedyed fibers, but not revealing any of the white core fibers.

FIG. 6 shows the laser using a second power level setting or secondexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove more of thedyed fibers than in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 shows the laser using a third power level setting or thirdexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove even more ofthe dyed fibers than in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows a technique where finishing is divided into two finishingsteps, finishing I and finishing II.

FIG. 9 shows multiple base templates, base A, base B, and base C.

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a distributed computer networkincorporating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary client or server system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 shows a system block diagram of the computer system shown inFIG. 11 that is used to execute the software of the present invention.

FIGS. 13-14 show examples of mobile devices, which can be mobileclients.

FIG. 15 shows a system block diagram of a mobile device.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a system for creating, designing,producing apparel products with laser finishing.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a specific implementation of a digitaldesign tool and a preview tool.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a digital brief tool that provides areal-time preview of an appearance of pair of jeans when a finishingpattern is applied by burning or ablating using a laser input file.

FIG. 19 shows a technique of generating a preview of a finished imageusing a digital brief tool.

FIG. 20 shows a laser pattern mask that is created from a laser inputfile.

FIG. 21 shows an HLS adjustment layer that is created from the baseimage.

FIG. 22 shows a technique of creating a masked solid color adjustmentlayer.

FIGS. 23-24 shows examples of two different adjustments or settings fora bright point operation.

FIG. 25 shows adjustment of intensity.

FIG. 26 shows an array of images showing the effects of adjustments inbright point and intensity.

FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of a technique of generating a preview ofa laser-finishing pattern on a garment, such as jeans.

FIGS. 28-29 show screens that includes user selectable options forselecting garments for women or men.

FIG. 30 shows a screen where the user can add a pattern or artwork, suchas a logo, to add to a garment.

FIG. 31 shows a screen showing additional patterns or artwork, inaddition to, for example, logos, the user can select from.

FIG. 32 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket.

FIG. 33 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where overdyeis selected and a slider bar for the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.45.

FIG. 34 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where overdyeis selected and the slider bar for the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.90.

FIG. 35 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where an optionfor overdye is turned off and post-wash bleach is turned on.

FIG. 36 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where an optionfor post-wash bleach is turned on and the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.08.

FIG. 37 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where an optionfor post-wash bleach is turned on and the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.15.

FIG. 38 shows a screen showing back of a pair of jeans where patternshwm 073 back TR, hwm 073 back TL, hwm 073 back BR, and hwm 073 back BLhave been applied.

FIG. 39 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 013 has been applied.

FIG. 40 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 012 has been applied.

FIG. 41 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 005 has been applied.

FIG. 42 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker GEM_LAND_C has been applied.

FIG. 43 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker ALLOVER_00143 has been applied.

FIG. 44 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker ALLOVER_00143 has been applied.

FIGS. 45-46 show a computer system 1301 or 1401 (e.g., a smartphone ortablet computer) operating the preview tool 1703, the digital brief tool1803, or the consumer digital brief tool, or any combination of thesetools.

FIG. 47 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option is selected for the finishing patterns.

FIG. 48 shows the dropdown menu with the finishing pattern selected andshows the leopard print pattern on the previewed jeans.

FIG. 49 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option is selected for the lived in option.

FIG. 50 shows the dropdown menu for the lived in option with the damagedappearance selected.

FIG. 51 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option is selected for a tint color option selected.

FIG. 52 shows the preview of the base garment jeans with the black tintcolor selected.

FIG. 53 shows the preview of the base garment jeans with no tint colorselected.

FIGS. 54-55 show the preview tool with a base garment jeans having anumber of options selected, such as the bandana finishing pattern and ablack tint.

FIG. 56 shows the computer system with an order tool interface of thepreview tool displayed on the display of the computer system, in animplementation.

FIG. 57 shows a block diagram of a technique of generating a preview ofa laser-finishing pattern on a garment, such as jeans.

FIG. 58 shows an overall flow for creating a three-dimensional previewfor an apparel product, such as a pair of jeans.

FIGS. 59A-59F show photographs of cutting a garment into pieces.

FIG. 60 shows a system for taking photographs of the garment pieces.

FIGS. 61A-61K show photographs of cut garment pieces and correspondingextracted neutral digital pattern pieces.

FIGS. 62A-62C show extracted shadow neutral pattern pieces.

FIG. 62D shows a shadow neutral texture created using the extractedshadow neutral pattern pieces and a color layer.

FIG. 63A shows a created shadow neutral texture.

FIG. 63B shows a front view of a three-dimensional model, which theshadow neutral texture will be applied or mapped to.

FIG. 63C shows a result of mapping the shadow neutral texture to thethree-dimensional model.

FIG. 63D shows a back or rear view of the three-dimensional model, whichthe shadow neutral texture will be applied or mapped to.

FIG. 63E shows a result of mapping the shadow neutral texture to thethree-dimensional model.

FIG. 64A shows an example of a simulated light source positioned to aright of and above the garment.

FIG. 64B shows an example of a simulated light source positioneddirectly above the garment.

FIG. 64C shows an example of a simulated light source positioned to aleft of and above the garment.

FIGS. 65A-65E show how a single three-dimensional model can be used withmultiple shadow neutral texture to generate a multiple preview images.

FIG. 66 shows a process flow for the manufacture of apparel such asjeans, where the garments are finished using a laser.

FIG. 67 shows another process flow for the manufacture of apparel suchas jeans using laser, where the garments are made on demand based ongenerated imagery.

FIG. 68 shows an initial screen of a digital design tool.

FIGS. 69-70 show a color map that can be modified to create digitalfinish using various options.

FIG. 71 shows a screen where the user can select and position a wearpattern.

FIG. 72 shows a screen with wear patterns the user can select from.

FIG. 73 shows screen with an option for the user can select and adddamage.

FIG. 74 shows a screen with some damage assets the user can select from.

FIGS. 75-76 show screens where the user can select and adjust a baseshade by postwash bleach.

FIGS. 77-78 shows screens where the user can select and adjust thefinish by the use of tint or overdye.

FIG. 79 shows screen with a three-dimensional preview of a garment

FIGS. 80-81 show examples of three-dimensional flat imagery, generatedby mapping a color map onto a three-dimensional flat model. FIG. 80shows a front flat view of a pair of jeans. FIG. 81 shows a back flatview of the jeans.

FIG. 82 shows sample images of three-dimensional flat imagery at variousrotation angles.

FIG. 83 shows examples of three-dimensional imagery in an as-worn pose,generated by mapping a color map onto a three-dimensional pose oron-body model.

FIG. 84 shows examples of three-dimensional imagery in an as-worn pose,where the head of the model has been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a process flow 101 for manufacturing apparel such as jeans,where garments are finished using a laser. The fabric or material forvarious apparel including jeans is made from natural or synthetic fibers106, or a combination of these. A fabric mill takes fibers and processes109 these fibers to produce a laser-sensitive finished fabric 112, whichhas enhanced response characteristics for laser finishing.

Some examples of natural fibers include cotton, flax, hemp, sisal, jute,kenaf, and coconut; fibers from animal sources include silk, wool,cashmere, and mohair. Some examples of synthetic fibers includepolyester, nylon, spandex or elastane, and other polymers. Some examplesof semisynthetic fibers include rayon, viscose, modal, and lyocell,which are made from a regenerated cellulose fiber. A fabric can be anatural fiber alone (e.g., cotton), a synthetic fiber alone (e.g.,polyester alone), a blend of natural and synthetic fibers (e.g., cottonand polyester blend, or cotton and spandex), or a blend of natural andsemisynthetic fibers, or any combination of these or other fibers.

For jeans, the fabric is typically a denim, which is a sturdy cottonwarp-faced textile in which a weft passes under two or more warpthreads. This twill weaving produces a diagonal ribbing. The yarns(e.g., warp yarns) are dyed using an indigo or blue dye, which ischaracteristic of blue jeans.

Although this patent describes the apparel processing and finishing withrespect to jeans, the invention is not limited jeans or denim products,such as shirts, shorts, jackets, vests, and skirts. The techniques andapproaches described are applicable to other apparel and products,including nondenim products and products made from knit materials. Someexamples include T-shirts, sweaters, coats, sweatshirts (e.g., hoodies),casual wear, athletic wear, outerwear, dresses, eveningwear, sleepwear,loungewear, underwear, socks, bags, backpacks, uniforms, umbrellas,swimwear, bed sheets, scarves, and many others.

A manufacturer creates a design 115 (design I) of its product. Thedesign can be for a particular type of clothing or garment (e.g., men'sor women's jean, or jacket), sizing of the garment (e.g., small, medium,or large, or waist size and inseam length), or other design feature. Thedesign can be specified by a pattern or cut used to form pieces of thepattern. A fabric is selected and patterned and cut 118 based on thedesign. The pattern pieces are assembled together 121 into the garment,typically by sewing, but can be joined together using other techniques(e.g., rivets, buttons, zipper, hoop and loop, adhesives, or othertechniques and structures to join fabrics and materials together).

Some garments can be complete after assembly and ready for sale.However, other garments are unfinished 122 and receive additionalfinishing 124. The additional finishing may include laser finishing,tinting, washing, softening, and fixing. For distressed denim products,the laser finishing can include using a laser to produce a wear patternaccording to a design 127 (design II). Some additional details of laserfinishing are described in U.S. patent application 62/377,447, filedAug. 19, 2016, and Ser. No. 15/682,507, filed Aug. 21, 2017, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,051,905 on Aug. 21, 2018, are incorporated by referencealong with all other references cited in this application. U.S. patentapplications 62/636,108, filed Feb. 27, 2018, and 62/715,788, filed Aug.7, 2018, describe some specific implementations of a brief builderapplication and are incorporated by reference.

Design 127 (design II) is for post-assembly aspects of a garment whiledesign 115 is for preassembly aspects of a garment. After finishing 124,a finished product 130 (e.g., a pair of jeans) is complete and ready forsale. The finished product can be inventoried and distributed 133,delivered to stores 136, and sold to consumers or customers 139. Thefinished product can alternatively be sold to a customer at a mobilefinishing center where the customer orders the jeans and selects a laserfinishing pattern for application for the jeans at the mobile finishingcenter and delivery at the center. Laser finishing facilitates theconsumer buying and wearing worn blue jeans without having to wear thejeans themselves to achieve the worn blue jeans appearance. Achieving aworn blue jeans appearance through wear usually takes significant timeand effort.

Traditionally, to produce distressed denim products, finishingtechniques include dry abrasion, wet processing, oxidation, or othertechniques, or combinations of these, to accelerate wear of the materialin order to produce a desired wear pattern. Dry abrasion can includesandblasting or using sandpaper. For example, some portions or localizedareas of the fabric are sanded to abrade the fabric surface. Wetprocessing can include washing in water, washing with oxidizers (e.g.,bleach, peroxide, ozone, or potassium permanganate), spraying withoxidizers, washing with abrasives (e.g., pumice, stone, or grit).

These traditional finishing approaches take time, incur expense, andimpact the environment by utilizing resources and producing waste. It isdesirable to reduce water and chemical usage, which can includeeliminating the use agents such as potassium permanganate and pumice. Analternative to these traditional finishing approaches is laserfinishing.

FIG. 2 shows a finishing technique that includes the use of a laser 207.A laser is a device that emits light through a process of lightamplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagneticradiation from lasing elements (e.g., gas molecules, atoms in a crystallattice, or organic molecules). Lasers are used for bar code scanning,medical procedures such as corrective eye surgery, and industrialapplications such as cutting and welding. A particular type of laser forfinishing apparel is a carbon dioxide laser, which emits a beam ofinfrared radiation.

The laser is controlled by an input file 210 and control software 213 toemit a laser beam onto fabric at a particular position or location at aspecific power level for a specific amount of time. Further, the powerof the laser beam can be varied according to a waveform such as a pulsewave with a particular frequency, period, pulse width, or othercharacteristics. Some aspects of the laser that can be controlledinclude the duty cycle, frequency, marking or burning speed, ablationspeed, and other parameters.

The duty cycle is a percentage of laser emission time. Some examples ofduty cycle percentages include 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 80, and 100 percent.The frequency is the laser pulse frequency. A low frequency might be,for example, 5 kilohertz, while a high frequency might be, for example,25 kilohertz. Generally, lower frequencies will have higher surfacepenetration than high frequencies, which has less surface penetration.

The laser acts like a printer and “prints,” “marks,” “burns,” or“ablates” a wear pattern (specified by input file 210) onto the garment.The fabric that is exposed to the laser beam (e.g., infrared beam)changes color, lightening the fabric at a specified position by acertain amount based on the laser power, time of exposure, waveformused, or any combination of these laser features. The laser lightemitted by a laser is directed from position to position until the wearpattern is completely printed on the garment.

In a specific implementation, the laser beam has a resolution of about34 dots per inch (dpi), which on the garment is about 0.7 millimetersper pixel. The technique described in this patent is not dependent onthe laser beam's resolution, and will work with lasers have more or lessresolution than 34 dots per inch. For example, the laser beam can have aresolution of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 72, 80, 96, 100, 120, 150,200, 300, or 600 dots per inch, or more or less than any of these orother values. Typically, the greater the resolution, the finer thefeatures that can be printed on the garment in a single pass. By usingmultiple passes (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more passes) with the laser, theeffective resolution of the laser beam can be increased. In animplementation, multiple laser passes are used.

In an implementation, jeans are dyed using an indigo dye, which resultsin a blue colored fabric. The blue color is caused by chromophorestrapped in the fabric which reflect light as a blue color. U.S. patentapplication 62/433,739, filed Dec. 13, 2016, which is incorporated byreference, describes a denim material with enhanced responsecharacteristics to laser finishing. Using a denim material made fromindigo ring-dyed yarn, variations in highs and lows in indigo colorshading is achieved by using a laser.

Laser finishing can be used on denim and other materials too. Laserfinishing can be used to alter the coloration of any material where thesublimation (or decomposition in some cases) temperature of the dye orthe material itself is within range of the operating temperatures of thelaser during use. Color change is a product of either the removal ofdyestuff or the removal of material uncovering material of anothercolor.

FIG. 3 shows a weave pattern of a denim fabric 326. A loom does theweaving. In weaving, warp is the lengthwise or longitudinal yarn orthread in a roll, while weft or woof is the transverse thread. The weftyarn is drawn through the warp yarns to create the fabric. In FIG. 3 ,the warps extend in a first direction 335 (e.g., north and south) whilethe wefts extend in a direction 337 (e.g., east and west). The wefts areshown as a continuous yarn that zigzags across the wefts (e.g., carriedacross by a shuttle or a rapier of the loom). Alternatively, the weftscould be separate yarns. In some specific implementations, the warp yarnhas a different weight or thickness than the weft yarns. For example,warp yarns can be coarser than the weft yarns.

For denim, dyed yarn is used for the warp, and undyed or white yarn istypically used for the weft yarn. In some denim fabrics, the weft yarncan be dyed and have a color other than white, such as red. In the denimweave, the weft passes under two or more warp threads. FIG. 3 shows aweave with the weft passing under two warp threads. Specifically, thefabric weave is known as a 2×1 right-hand twill. For a right-hand twill,a direction of the diagonal is from a lower left to an upper right. Fora left-hand twill, a direction of the diagonal is from a lower right toan upper left. But in other denim weaves, the weft can pass under adifferent number of warp threads, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more. Inother implementation, the denim is a 3×1 right hand twill, which meansthe weft passes under three warp threads.

Because of the weave, one side of the fabric exposes more of the warpyarns (e.g., warp-faced side), while the other side exposes more of theweft yarns (e.g., weft-faced side). When the warp yarns are blue andweft yarns are white, a result of the weave is the warp-faced side willappear mostly blue while the reverse side, weft-faced side, will appearmostly white.

In denim, the warp is typically 100 percent cotton. But some warp yarnscan be a blend with, for example, elastane to allow for warp stretch.And some yarns for other fabrics may contain other fibers, such aspolyester or elastane as examples.

In an indigo ring-dyed yarn, the indigo does not fully penetrate to acore of the yarn. Rather, the indigo dye is applied at a surface of thecotton yarn and diffuses toward the interior of the yarn. So, when theyarn is viewed cross-sectionally, the indigo dyed material will appearas a ring on around an outer edge of the yarn. The shading of the indigodye will generally lighten in a gradient as a distance increases fromthe surface of the yarn to the center (or core) of the yarn.

During laser finishing, the laser removes a selected amount of thesurface of the indigo dyed yarn (e.g., blue color) to reveal a lightercolor (e.g., white color) of the inner core of the ring-dyed yarn. Themore of the indigo dyed material that is removed, the lighter the color(e.g., lighter shade of blue). The more of the indigo dyed material thatremains, the darker the color (e.g., deeper shade of blue). The lasercan be controlled precisely to remove a desired amount of material toachieve a desired shade of blue in a desired place or position on thematerial.

With laser finishing, a finish can be applied (e.g., printed, burned, orablated via the laser) onto apparel (e.g., jeans and denim garments)that will appear similar to or indistinguishable from a finish obtainedusing traditional processing techniques (e.g., dry abrasion, wetprocessing, and oxidation). Laser finishing of apparel is less costlyand is faster than traditional finishing techniques and also has reducedenvironmental impact (e.g., eliminating the use of harsh chemical agentsand reducing waste).

FIGS. 4-7 show how the laser alters the color of ring-dyed yarn. FIG. 4shows a laser beam 407 striking a ring-dyed yarn 413 having indigo-dyedfibers 418 and white core fibers 422. The laser removes the dyed fibers,which can be by vaporizing or otherwise destroying the cotton fiber viaheat or high temperature that the laser beam causes.

FIG. 5 shows the laser using a first power level setting or firstexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove some of thedyed fibers, but not revealing any of the white core fibers. The undyedfibers remain covered. There is no color change.

FIG. 6 shows the laser using a second power level setting or secondexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove more of thedyed fibers than in FIG. 5 . The second power level is greater than thefirst power level, or the second exposure time setting is greater thanthe first exposure time setting, or a combination of these. The resultis some of the undyed fibers are revealed. There is a color change,subtle highlighting.

FIG. 7 shows the laser using a third power level setting or thirdexposure time setting, or a combination of these, to remove even more ofthe dyed fibers than in FIG. 6 . The third power level is greater thanthe second power level, or the third exposure time setting is greaterthan the second exposure time setting, or a combination of these. Theresult is more of the undyed fibers are revealed. There is a colorchange, brighter highlighting.

As shown in FIG. 2 , before laser 207, the fabric can be prepared 216for the laser, which may be referred to as a base preparation, and caninclude a prelaser wash. This step helps improves the results of thelaser. After the laser, there can be a post-laser wash 219. This washcan clean or remove any residue caused by the laser, such as removingany charring (which would appear as brown or slightly burning). Therecan be additional finish 221, which may be including tinting, softening,or fixing, to complete finishing.

FIG. 8 shows a technique where finishing 124 is divided into twofinishing steps, finishing I and finishing II. Finishing I 808 is aninitial finishing to create base templates 811. With finishing II 814,each base template can be used to manufacture multiple final finishes817.

FIG. 9 shows multiple base templates, base A, base B, and base C. Thesebase templates may be referred to as base fit fabrics or BFFs. In animplementation, the base templates can be created during base prep andprelaser wash 216 (see FIG. 2 ). During finishing I, by using differentwash 216 methods or recipes, each different base template can becreated.

Finishing II can include laser finishing. Base A is lasered withdifferent designs to obtain various final product based on base A (e.g.,FP(A)1 to FP(A)i, where i is an integer). Base B is lasered withdifferent designs to obtain various final product based on base B (e.g.,FP(B)1 to FP(B)j, where j is an integer). Base C is lasered withdifferent designs to obtain various final product based on base C (e.g.,FP(C)1 to FP(C)k, where k is an integer). Each base can be used toobtain a number of different final designs. For example, the integers i,j, and k can have different values.

As described above and shown in FIG. 2 , after finishing II, there canbe additional finishing during post-laser wash 219 and additionalfinishing 221. For example, during the post-laser wash, there may beadditional tinting to the lasered garments. This tinting can result inan overall color cast to change the look of the garment.

In an implementation, laser finishing is used to create many differentfinishes (each a different product) easily and quickly from the samefabric template or BFF or “blank.” For each fabric, there will be anumber of base fit fabrics. These base fit fabrics are lasered toproduce many different finishes, each being a different product for aproduct line. Laser finishing allows greater efficiency because by usingfabric templates (or base fit fabrics), a single fabric or material canbe used to create many different products for a product line, more thanis possible with traditional processing. This reduces the inventory ofdifferent fabric and finish raw materials.

For a particular product (e.g., 511 product), there can be two differentfabrics, such as base B and base C of FIG. 9 . The fabrics can be partof a fabric tool kit. For base B, there are multiple base fit fabrics,FP(B)1, FP(B)2, and so forth. Using laser finishing, a base fit fabric(e.g., FP(B)1) can be used to product any number of different finishes(e.g., eight different finishes), each of which would be considered adifferent product model.

For example, FP(B)1 can be laser finished using different laser files(e.g., laser file 1, laser file 2, laser file 3, or others) or havedifferent post-laser wash (e.g., post-laser wash recipe 1, post-laserwash recipe 2, post-laser wash recipe 3, or others), or any combinationof these. A first product would be base fit fabric FP(B)1 lasered usinglaser file 1 and washed using post-laser wash recipe 1. A second productwould be base fit fabric FP(B)1 lasered using laser file 2 and washedusing post-laser wash recipe 1. A third product would be base fit fabricFP(B)1 lasered using laser file 2 and washed using post-laser washrecipe 2. And there can be many more products based on the same base fitfabric. Each can have a different product identifier or uniqueidentifier, such as a different PC9 or nine-digit product code.

With laser finishing, many products or PC9s are produced for each basefit fabric or blank. Compared to traditional processing, this is asignificant improvement in providing greater numbers of differentproducts with less different fabrics and finishes (each of which intraditional processing consume resources, increasing cost, and taketime). Inventory is reduced. The technique of providing base fitfinishes or fabric templates for laser finishing has significant andmany benefits.

A system incorporating laser finishing can include a computer to controlor monitor operation, or both. FIG. 10 shows an example of a computerthat is a component of a laser finishing system. The computer may be aseparate unit that is connected to a system, or may be embedded inelectronics of the system. In an embodiment, the invention includessoftware that executes on a computer workstation system or server, suchas shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a distributed computer network1000 incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. Computernetwork 1000 includes a number of client systems 1013, 1016, and 1019,and a server system 1022 coupled to a communication network 1024 via aplurality of communication links 1028. Communication network 1024provides a mechanism for allowing the various components of distributednetwork 1000 to communicate and exchange information with each other.

Communication network 1024 may itself be comprised of manyinterconnected computer systems and communication links. Communicationlinks 1028 may be hardwire links, optical links, satellite or otherwireless communications links, wave propagation links, or any othermechanisms for communication of information. Communication links 1028may be DSL, Cable, Ethernet or other hardwire links, passive or activeoptical links, 3G, 3.5G, 4G and other mobility, satellite or otherwireless communications links, wave propagation links, or any othermechanisms for communication of information.

Various communication protocols may be used to facilitate communicationbetween the various systems shown in FIG. 10 . These communicationprotocols may include VLAN, MPLS, TCP/IP, Tunneling, HTTP protocols,wireless application protocol (WAP), vendor-specific protocols,customized protocols, and others. While in one embodiment, communicationnetwork 1024 is the Internet, in other embodiments, communicationnetwork 1024 may be any suitable communication network including a localarea network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, anintranet, a private network, a public network, a switched network, andcombinations of these, and the like.

Distributed computer network 1000 in FIG. 10 is merely illustrative ofan embodiment incorporating the present invention and does not limit thescope of the invention as recited in the claims. One of ordinary skillin the art would recognize other variations, modifications, andalternatives. For example, more than one server system 1022 may beconnected to communication network 1024. As another example, a number ofclient systems 1013, 1016, and 1019 may be coupled to communicationnetwork 1024 via an access provider (not shown) or via some other serversystem.

Client systems 1013, 1016, and 1019 typically request information from aserver system which provides the information. For this reason, serversystems typically have more computing and storage capacity than clientsystems. However, a particular computer system may act as both as aclient or a server depending on whether the computer system isrequesting or providing information. Additionally, although aspects ofthe invention have been described using a client-server environment, itshould be apparent that the invention may also be embodied in astandalone computer system.

Server 1022 is responsible for receiving information requests fromclient systems 1013, 1016, and 1019, performing processing required tosatisfy the requests, and for forwarding the results corresponding tothe requests back to the requesting client system. The processingrequired to satisfy the request may be performed by server system 1022or may alternatively be delegated to other servers connected tocommunication network 1024.

Client systems 1013, 1016, and 1019 enable users to access and queryinformation stored by server system 1022. In a specific embodiment, theclient systems can run as a standalone application such as a desktopapplication or mobile smartphone or tablet application. In anotherembodiment, a “Web browser” application executing on a client systemenables users to select, access, retrieve, or query information storedby server system 1022. Examples of Web browsers include the InternetExplorer browser program provided by Microsoft Corporation, Firefoxbrowser provided by Mozilla, Chrome browser provided by Google, Safaribrowser provided by Apple, and others.

In a client-server environment, some resources (e.g., files, music,video, or data) are stored at the client while others are stored ordelivered from elsewhere in the network, such as a server, andaccessible via the network (e.g., the Internet). Therefore, the user'sdata can be stored in the network or “cloud.” For example, the user canwork on documents on a client device that are stored remotely on thecloud (e.g., server). Data on the client device can be synchronized withthe cloud.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary client or server system of the presentinvention. In an embodiment, a user interfaces with the system through acomputer workstation system, such as shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 shows acomputer system 1101 that includes a monitor 1103, screen 1105,enclosure 1107 (may also be referred to as a system unit, cabinet, orcase), keyboard or other human input device 1109, and mouse or otherpointing device 1111. Mouse 1111 may have one or more buttons such asmouse buttons 1113.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited anycomputing device in a specific form factor (e.g., desktop computer formfactor), but can include all types of computing devices in various formfactors. A user can interface with any computing device, includingsmartphones, personal computers, laptops, electronic tablet devices,global positioning system (GPS) receivers, portable media players,personal digital assistants (PDAs), other network access devices, andother processing devices capable of receiving or transmitting data.

For example, in a specific implementation, the client device can be asmartphone or tablet device, such as the Apple iPhone (e.g., AppleiPhone X series), Apple iPad (e.g., Apple iPad, Apple iPad Pro, or AppleiPad mini), Apple iPod (e.g., Apple iPod Touch), Samsung Galaxy product(e.g., Galaxy S series product or Galaxy Note series product), GoogleNexus and Pixel devices (e.g., Google Nexus series), and Microsoftdevices (e.g., Microsoft Surface tablet). Typically, a smartphoneincludes a telephony portion (and associated radios) and a computerportion, which are accessible via a touch screen display.

There is nonvolatile memory to store data of the telephone portion(e.g., contacts and phone numbers) and the computer portion (e.g.,application programs including a browser, pictures, games, videos, andmusic). The smartphone typically includes a camera (e.g., front facingcamera or rear camera, or both) for taking pictures and video. Forexample, a smartphone or tablet can be used to take live video that canbe streamed to one or more other devices.

Enclosure 1107 houses familiar computer components, some of which arenot shown, such as a processor, memory, mass storage devices 1117, andthe like. Mass storage devices 1117 may include mass disk drives, floppydisks, magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, fixeddisks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, recordable CDs, DVDs, recordable DVDs (e.g.,DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD-DVD, or Blu-ray Disc), flash and othernonvolatile solid-state storage (e.g., USB flash drive or solid statedrive (SSD)), battery-backed-up volatile memory, tape storage, reader,and other similar media, and combinations of these.

A computer-implemented or computer-executable version or computerprogram product of the invention may be embodied using, stored on, orassociated with computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium mayinclude any medium that participates in providing instructions to one ormore processors for execution. Such a medium may take many formsincluding, but not limited to, nonvolatile, volatile, and transmissionmedia. Nonvolatile media includes, for example, flash memory, or opticalor magnetic disks. Volatile media includes static or dynamic memory,such as cache memory or RAM. Transmission media includes coaxial cables,copper wire, fiber optic lines, and wires arranged in a bus.Transmission media can also take the form of electromagnetic, radiofrequency, acoustic, or light waves, such as those generated duringradio wave and infrared data communications.

For example, a binary, machine-executable version, of the software ofthe present invention may be stored or reside in RAM or cache memory, oron mass storage device 1117. The source code of the software of thepresent invention may also be stored or reside on mass storage device1117 (e.g., hard disk, magnetic disk, tape, or CD-ROM). As a furtherexample, code of the invention may be transmitted via wires, radiowaves, or through a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 12 shows a system block diagram of computer system 1101 used toexecute the software of the present invention. As in FIG. 11 , computersystem 1101 includes monitor 1103, keyboard 1109, and mass storagedevices 1117. Computer system 1101 further includes subsystems such ascentral processor 1202, system memory 1204, input/output (I/O)controller 1206, display adapter 1208, serial or universal serial bus(USB) port 1212, network interface 1218, and speaker 1220. The inventionmay also be used with computer systems with additional or fewersubsystems. For example, a computer system could include more than oneprocessor 1202 (i.e., a multiprocessor system) or a system may include acache memory.

Arrows such as 1222 represent the system bus architecture of computersystem 1101. However, these arrows are illustrative of anyinterconnection scheme serving to link the subsystems. For example,speaker 1220 could be connected to the other subsystems through a portor have an internal direct connection to central processor 1202. Theprocessor may include multiple processors or a multicore processor,which may permit parallel processing of information. Computer system1101 shown in FIG. 12 is but an example of a computer system suitablefor use with the present invention. Other configurations of subsystemssuitable for use with the present invention will be readily apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art.

Computer software products may be written in any of various suitableprogramming languages, such as C, C++, C#, Pascal, Fortran, Perl, Matlab(from MathWorks, www.mathworks.com), SAS, SPSS, JavaScript, AJAX, Java,Python, Erlang, and Ruby on Rails. The computer software product may bean independent application with data input and data display modules.Alternatively, the computer software products may be classes that may beinstantiated as distributed objects. The computer software products mayalso be component software such as Java Beans (from Oracle Corporation)or Enterprise Java Beans (EJB from Oracle Corporation).

An operating system for the system may be one of the Microsoft Windows®family of systems (e.g., Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000,Windows XP, Windows XP x64 Edition, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8,Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows CE, Windows Mobile, Windows RT), SymbianOS, Tizen, Linux, HP-UX, UNIX, Sun OS, Solaris, Mac OS X, Apple iOS,Android, Alpha OS, AIX, IRIX32, or IRIX64. Other operating systems maybe used. Microsoft Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Any trademarks or service marks used in this patent are property oftheir respective owner. Any company, product, or service names in thispatent are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos,and brands does not imply endorsement.

Furthermore, the computer may be connected to a network and mayinterface to other computers using this network. The network may be anintranet, internet, or the Internet, among others. The network may be awired network (e.g., using copper), telephone network, packet network,an optical network (e.g., using optical fiber), or a wireless network,or any combination of these. For example, data and other information maybe passed between the computer and components (or steps) of a system ofthe invention using a wireless network using a protocol such as Wi-Fi(IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11i,802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ad, just to name a few examples), nearfield communication (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID), mobileor cellular wireless (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, LTE, LTEAdvanced, Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, iBurst, EDGE Evolution, UMTS, UMTS-TDD,1×RDD, and EV-DO). For example, signals from a computer may betransferred, at least in part, wirelessly to components or othercomputers.

In an embodiment, with a Web browser executing on a computer workstationsystem, a user accesses a system on the World Wide Web (WWW) through anetwork such as the Internet. The Web browser is used to download Webpages or other content in various formats including HTML, XML, text,PDF, and postscript, and may be used to upload information to otherparts of the system. The Web browser may use uniform resourceidentifiers (URLs) to identify resources on the Web and hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) in transferring files on the Web.

In other implementations, the user accesses the system through either orboth of native and nonnative applications. Native applications arelocally installed on the particular computing system and are specific tothe operating system or one or more hardware devices of that computingsystem, or a combination of these. These applications (which aresometimes also referred to as “apps”) can be updated (e.g.,periodically) via a direct internet upgrade patching mechanism orthrough an applications store (e.g., Apple iTunes and App store, GooglePlay store, Windows Phone store, and Blackberry App World store).

The system can run in platform-independent, nonnative applications. Forexample, client can access the system through a Web application from oneor more servers using a network connection with the server or serversand load the Web application in a Web browser. For example, a Webapplication can be downloaded from an application server over theInternet by a Web browser. Nonnative applications can also be obtainedfrom other sources, such as a disk.

FIGS. 13-14 show examples of mobile devices, which can be mobileclients. Mobile devices are specific implementations of a computer, suchas described above. FIG. 13 shows a smartphone device 1301, and FIG. 14shows a tablet device 1401. Some examples of smartphones include theApple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Nexus family of devices. Someexamples of tablet devices include the Apple iPad, Apple iPad Pro,Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Google Nexus family of devices.

Smartphone 1301 has an enclosure that includes a screen 1303, button1309, speaker 1311, camera 1313, and proximity sensor 1335. The screencan be a touch screen that detects and accepts input from finger touchor a stylus. The technology of the touch screen can be a resistive,capacitive, infrared grid, optical imaging, or pressure-sensitive,dispersive signal, acoustic pulse recognition, or others. The touchscreen is screen and a user input device interface that acts as a mouseand keyboard of a computer.

Button 1309 is sometimes referred to as a home button and is used toexit a program and return the user to the home screen. The phone mayalso include other buttons (not shown) such as volume buttons and on-offbutton on a side. The proximity detector can detect a user's face isclose to the phone, and can disable the phone screen and its touchsensor, so that there will be no false inputs from the user's face beingnext to screen when talking.

Tablet 1401 is similar to a smartphone. Tablet 1401 has an enclosurethat includes a screen 1403, button 1409, and camera 1413. Typically thescreen (e.g., touch screen) of a tablet is larger than a smartphone,usually 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, or more inches (measured diagonally).

FIG. 15 shows a system block diagram of mobile device 1501 used toexecute the software of the present invention. This block diagram isrepresentative of the components of smartphone or tablet device. Themobile device system includes a screen 1503 (e.g., touch screen),buttons 1509, speaker 1511, camera 1513, motion sensor 1515, lightsensor 1517, microphone 1519, indicator light 1521, and external port1523 (e.g., USB port or Apple Lightning port). These components cancommunicate with each other via a bus 1525.

The system includes wireless components such as a mobile networkconnection 1527 (e.g., mobile telephone or mobile data), Wi-Fi 1529,Bluetooth 1531, GPS 1533 (e.g., detect GPS positioning), other sensors1535 such as a proximity sensor, CPU 1537, RAM memory 1539, storage 1541(e.g., nonvolatile memory), and battery 1543 (lithium ion or lithiumpolymer cell). The battery supplies power to the electronic componentsand is rechargeable, which allows the system to be mobile.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a system for creating, designing,producing apparel products with laser finishing. A box line plan 1602 isan internal and interim tool for communication between a merchandisinggroup and design group. Through the box line plan, merchandising cancommunicate what needs to be designed by the design group. The box lineplan can have open slots to be designed 1609.

There is a digital design tool 1616 merchants and design can use toclick and drag finish effects (e.g., laser files) and tint casts overimages of base washes in order to visualize possible combinations andbuild the line visually before the garment finish is actually finishedby the laser. The visualizations can be by rendering on a computersystem, such as using three-dimensional (3D) graphics.

U.S. patent applications 62/433,746, filed Dec. 13, 2016, and Ser. No.15/841,268, filed Dec. 13, 2017, which are incorporated by reference,describe a system and operating model of apparel manufacture with laserfinishing. Laser finishing of apparel products allows an operating modelthat reduces finishing cost, lowers carrying costs, increasesproductivity, shortens time to market, be more reactive to trends,reduce product constraints, reduces lost sales and dilution, and more.Improved aspects include design, development, planning, merchandising,selling, making, and delivering. The model uses fabric templates, eachof which can be used to produce a multitude of laser finishes.Operational efficiency is improved.

Designers can use the digital design tool to design products that areused to satisfy the requests in open slots 1609. Designs created usingthe digital design tool can be stored in a digital library 1622. Inputto the digital design tool include fabric templates or blanks 1627(e.g., base fit fabrics or BFFs), existing finishes 1633 (e.g., can befurther modified by the tool 1616), and new finishes 1638. New finishescan be from designs 1641 (e.g., vintage design) captured using a laserfinish software tool 1645, examples of which are described in U.S.patent applications 62/377,447, filed Aug. 19, 2016, and Ser. No.15/682,507, filed Aug. 21, 2017. Digital library 1622 can be accessibleby the region assorting and sell-in 1650. And the digital library can beused to populate or satisfy the box line plan.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a specific implementation of a digitaldesign tool and a preview tool 1703. Digital design tool 1616 can berepresentative of a collection of tools, such as an application suite,including desktop or mobile apps, or a combination.

Preview tool 1703 can be a single tool in a toolbox or toolkit used forlaser finishing of garments, or the tool can be incorporated as afeature of another tool. The preview tool allows a user such as aclothing designer to preview on a computer screen or to generate adigital representation (e.g., image file, JPEG file, BMP file, TIFFfile, GIF file, PNG file, PSD file, or others) of jeans in a selectedbase fit fabric or fabric template 1706 with a selected laser pattern1709 (e.g., from a laser input file). With the digital representation,the user will be able to see or preview the jeans in the selected basefit fabric as if it had been burned or ablated with the selected laserinput file, without needing to actually laser or burn or ablate thejeans.

With the preview tool, the appearance of the garment (e.g., jeans) willbe of the finished garment product that the consumer will see (e.g.,after postlaser wash). As discussed above, after laser finishing, thegarment will have charred appearance, and damage holes will still beconnected by fine yarns, and will not yet be tinted. After postlaserwash, the charring and yellowish hue due to the laser ash and residuewill be washed away. The damage holes or openings will be opened andtypically have a shredded appearance. The garment will have the selectedtinting (e.g., color and level of color).

The preview tool displays on a screen or other visual output a previewimage 1711 of the garment as it would appear to the consumer, after postlaser wash. The preview image 1711 will be a photorealistic image incolor. The preview image may be displayed in using a 8-bit or greatercolor depth, 16-bit or greater color depth, 24-bit or greater colordepth, or 32-bit or greater color depth. This is in contrast to acomputer screen at operator's console of a laser finishing machine,which typically only shows black and white images. The console isprimarily used for alignment rather than design, and using black andwhite images can provide increased contrast (as compared to colorimages) which aids the operator in achieving proper alignment.

The console is directly attached or connected to the laser, while thepreview tool is front end tool that executes remotely from the computerand connected via a network. The preview tool can be directly attachedor connected to the laser, but typically not because laser finishing istypically performed at a different physical location from where garmentsare designed. For example, a design facility may be in San Francisco,while the laser finishing center may be Las Vegas or outside the UnitedStates (e.g., China, Mexico, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India,Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil, and others).

After a garment has been designed and previewed using the preview tool,the information can be transferred via the network to the laserfinishing tool and its console. For example, the preview tool canexecute on a desktop computer, mobile device (e.g., smartphone or tabletcomputer), or using a Web browser.

Some files are described as being of an image file type. Some examplesof image file types or file formats include bitmap or raster graphicsformats including IMG, TIFF, EXIF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PBM, PGM, PPM, BMP,and RAW. The compression for the file can be lossless (e.g., TIFF) orlossy (e.g., JPEG). Other image file types or file formats includevector graphics including DXF, SVG, and the like.

Bitmaps or raster graphics are resolution dependent while vectorgraphics are resolution independent. Raster graphics generally cannotscale up to an arbitrary resolution without loss of apparent quality.This property contrasts with the capabilities of vector graphics, whichgenerally easily scale up to the quality of the device rendering them.

A raster graphics image is a dot matrix data structure representing agenerally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via amonitor, paper, or other display medium. A bitmap, such as a single-bitraster, corresponds bit-for-bit with an image displayed on a screen oroutput medium. A raster is characterized by the width and height of theimage in pixels and by the number of bits per pixel (or color depth,which determines the number of colors it can represent).

The BMP file format is an example of a bitmap. The BMP file format, alsoknown as bitmap image file or device independent bitmap (DIB) fileformat or simply a bitmap, is a raster graphics image file format usedto store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device. TheBMP file format is capable of storing two-dimensional digital images ofarbitrary width, height, and resolution, both monochrome and color, invarious color depths, and optionally with data compression, alphachannels, and color profiles.

The fabric template can be selected from a library of fabric templateimages 1716 or may be a new image uploaded or provided by the user. Eachfabric template images is an image file of jeans in a base fit fabric orother material. For each jeans model or fit (e.g., models or fits 311,501, 505, 511, 515, 541, 569, 721, and others), there would be one imagein each different material or base fit fabric.

The laser input file can be selected from a library of laser input files1722 (e.g., files created from vintage jeans or from a group ofdesigners), a file 1718 created by the user, or a file uploaded orprovided by the user. For example, the user may have created the laserpattern (contained within a laser input file) manually using a graphicalor image editing tool (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and similar photo editingprograms). Or the laser pattern may have been created by another, suchas selected from a library of laser files. The laser pattern may begenerated by a computer or automated process, such as may be used toobtain a laser pattern from vintage jeans. The user will be able to seethe results of a burn or ablation, make any manual changes oralterations to the pattern (such as additional changes to a vintagejeans pattern in a digital image file) and preview the results again.The preview tool allows a user to make and see changes, to the user canobtain feedback faster than having to laser jeans to see the results andalso avoiding unneeded waste (e.g., preliminary versions of burned orablated jeans).

Each digital representation can be saved as separate images, and a groupor set of the images can be a called brief of collection of jeans. Thepreview tool can be used for merchandising, such as generating images ofa proposed line of products for a particular season, and these imagescan be shared among members of a team to discuss any additions, changes,or deletions to a collection.

A table A below presents a pseudocode computer program listing of samplesoftware code for a specific implementation of a preview tool 1703 fordisplaying finished apparel 1711 for a given fabric template input(e.g., base fit fabric image) and laser input file. A specificimplementation of the source code may be written in a programminglanguage such as Python. Other programming languages can be used.

TABLE A PREVIEW PATTERN TOOL SETUP: file selection object GET: inputfile from user selection ASSIGN: default blur options for high and lowsettings ASSIGN: input and conversion dpi settings FUNCTION: Import File(File List, File Index):  IMPORT: file being previewed  COMPUTE AND SET:resolution conversion factor  CALCULATE: optional resized image for useduring preview  RETURN: input file and resized input file RUN: ImportFile (File List, File Index) CREATE: plotting object to display resultsto user SETUP: custom colors for preview options ASSIGN: color and colorseparation variables SETUP: graphical user interface interactionsbuttons, sliders, etc. FUNCTION: Update (Value):  READ: current displaysettings  CHECK: which user interactions are being changed  ASSIGN:operation variable value  PERFORM: user specified operation  REDRAW:plot of image preview to user FUNCTION: Reset (Event):  RESET: alldefault settings for image preview FUNCTION: Change Color (color):  SET:color of base color for preview  REDRAW: plot of image preview to userPLOT: current state of file object

A specific version of the preview tool overlays a fabric template inputfile and a laser input file, and then generates an image to display themtogether as a representation of the laser-finished apparel. The laserinput file is aligned to the garment in the fabric template input file,so that the positioning of features in the laser input file are atappropriate positions or places on the garment. The alignment may be byusing alignment marks that are in the input files. The alignment may bean automated alignment or scaling, or a combination.

Brightness, intensity, opacity, blending, transparency, or otheradjustable parameters for an image layer, or any combination of these,are selected or adjusted for the laser input file, so that when thelaser input file is overlaid above the fabric template image, the lookof the garment will appear of simulate the look of a garment had beenburned or ablated by a laser using that laser input file.

Adjustable parameters such as opacity can be used to blend two or moreimage layers together. For example, a layer's overall opacity determinesto what degree it obscures or reveals the layer beneath it. For example,a layer with 1 percent opacity appears nearly transparent, while onewith 100 percent opacity appears completely opaque.

Further, a dots per inch (dpi) of the combined image can be adjusted tomore properly simulate the look of a garment more closely with a burnedor ablated garment. Dots per inch refers to the number of dots in aprinted inch. The more dots, the higher the quality of the print (e.g.,more sharpness and detail). By reducing the dpi of the image, this willreduce the image quality, resulting a blurring of the image. In animplementation, the preview tool reduces a dpi of the combined image, tobe of less dpi than the fabric template input file or the laser inputfile. By blurring the preview image, this results in improved simulationthat corresponds better to a burned or ablated laser garment. Whenburning or ablated a garment, the garment material or fabric typicallylimits the resolution of the result to less than that of the input file.

In an implementation, the dpi of the laser input file is about 72 dpi,while the dpi of the preview image is about 34 dpi. In animplementation, the dpi of the fabric template input file and laserinput file are about 36 dpi or above, while the dpi of the preview imageis about 36 dpi or lower.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a digital brief tool 1803, which alsolike preview tool 1703, provides a real-time preview of an appearance ofpair of jeans when a finishing pattern is applied by burning or ablatedusing a laser input file. The digital brief tool has additional featuresto allow more flexible designing of jeans.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific flows and steps presented. A flow of the invention may haveadditional steps (not necessarily described in this patent), differentsteps which replace some of the steps presented, fewer steps or a subsetof the steps presented, or steps in a different order than presented, orany combination of these. Further, the steps in other implementations ofthe invention may not be exactly the same as the steps presented and maybe modified or altered as appropriate for a particular application orbased on the data or situation.

The digital brief tool takes as input three types of digital assets1805, fabric template input 1816, damage input 1819 (e.g., damage inputfile), and laser input file 1822. Fabric template input 1816 and laserinput file 1822 are similar to the inputs for the preview tool. Damageinput 1819 is an image of damage (e.g., holes, rips, shredded regions,or openings of various shapes and sizes) that can be burned or ablatedby a laser into jeans. The digital brief tool overlays the damage andlaser input files over the fabric template.

The user selects a fabric template input, which an image of a jeansstyle in a particular base fit fabric. The user can optionally selectone or more damage inputs. If a damage input is selected, the damageinput will be a layer that overlays the fabric template layer. As forthe preview tool, the user selects a laser input file with laser patternand overlays the fabric template layer. As the user selects the inputs,the user will be able to see in real time the inputs and any changes orupdates in a preview image or brief.

After the inputs are selected, the user can select and perform one ormore operations 1826 on the inputs using the digital brief tool. Theseoperations including adding tint 1831, adjusting intensity 1834,adjusting bright point 1837, move digital asset 1842, rotate digitalasset 1845, scale digital asset 1848, and warp digital asset 1852. Asthe user selects and performs one or more operations, the user will beable to see in real time the changes or updates in the preview image orbrief.

After the fabric template input, the user can add tinting 1831. Tintingwill adjust the hue of the color of the fabric template input. Tintingis representative of the tinting which can be added during thepost-laser wash or finishing II, described above. The user will be ableto select a tint color, and this tint color will be blended with theexisting color of the fabric template input. The amount or intensity ofthe tinting can be increased or decreased, such as by using a sliderbar.

The user can adjust intensity 1834. In an implementation, intensityadjusts a weight matrix by a percentage of each value in the array. Inan implementation, intensity (or brightness) adjusts an opacity of agenerated adjustment layer (see hue saturation lightness adjustmentlayer described below). The greater the opacity, the more opaque thislayer will appear in the preview or brief image. The less the opacity,the less opaque this layer will appear in the preview or brief image;the layer will appear more transparent so that the layer beneath willshow through more.

When increasing brightness, the opacity of the adjustment layerincreases, and since the adjustment layer is above the fabric templateinput, the generated adjustment layer will become more prominent orvisible, thus making this layer (which has the wear pattern) brighter.Similarly, when decreasing brightness, the opacity of the adjustmentlayer decreases, the generated adjustment layer will become lessprominent or visible, thus making this layer (which has the wearpattern) less bright or fainter. The amount of the intensity can beincreased or decreased, such as by using a slider bar.

The user can adjust bright point 1837. Bright point adjusts the effectof the laser input file on the fabric template input. In animplementation, bright point adjustment changes a midpoint of agrayscale, creating a piecewise linear mapping of the pattern file.

Increasing the bright point will increase an effect of the laser pattern(e.g., causing greater laser pattern highlights) in the laser input fileon the fabric template input, while decreasing the bright point does theopposite (e.g., diminishing laser pattern highlights). The bright pointadjustment can be analogous to changing a pixel time or the time thatthe laser stays at a particular position for a given input from thelaser input file. The amount of the bright point can be increased ordecreased, such as by using a slider bar.

The user can move 1842 or reposition a selected digital asset. Forexample, a damage input (or fabric template or laser file) may be movedto a position desired by the user. The user can rotate 1845 a selecteddigital asset. For example, a damage input (or fabric template or laserfile) may be rotated to any angle relative to the other layers asdesired by the user.

The user can scale 1848 a selected digital asset. This scaling can belocked, maintaining the original aspect ratio of the digital asset, orcan be unlocked, such that the user can change the aspect ratio. Theuser can warp 1852 a selected digital asset. With warping, the user canadjust an aspect ratio of a portion of the digital asset differentlyfrom another portion. For example, one portion of a damage input (orfabric template or laser file) can be squished (e.g., right and leftedges of image pushed toward each other) while another portion isexpanded (e.g., right and left edges of image pulled away from eachother).

After the user has performed selected operations 1826, the digital brieftool shows an image of the jeans with the laser finishing pattern,including any tinting, damage, or other adjustments, as created by theuser. This image can be saved and viewed again later. A user can createmultiple designs, and these can be saved together as part of acollection.

FIG. 19 shows a technique of generating a preview of a finished imageusing a digital brief tool. A base image (or fabric template input) isselected. A hue saturation lightness or hue saturation luminance (HSL)adjustment layer is created or generated for the selected base image.The HSL adjustment layer can be the base layer with an adjustment forhue saturation lightness. When tinting is selected, a solid coloradjustment layer is created or generated.

To obtain a final result, which is the final image of the jeans withlaser finishing pattern, a laser pattern mask is combined with the baseimage and HSL adjustment layer. A resulting combination will be based onintensity and bright point settings.

The laser pattern mask is a negative image or reverse image of the laserinput file. For the laser input file, during laser burning or ablating,a white pixel means the pixel is not lasered (which results in theoriginal indigo color of the fabric), and a black pixel means the pixelwill be lasered at highest level (which results in the whitest colorthat can be achieved on the fabric). In an implementation, the laserinput file has 256 levels of gray, and for levels between 0 (e.g.,black) and 255 (e.g., white), then the amount of laser burning or laserablating will be proportionally somewhere in between.

FIG. 20 shows a laser pattern mask that is created from a laser inputfile. The digital brief tool creates the laser pattern mask from thelaser input file by reversing the laser input file. So, for the laserpattern mask, a black pixel means the pixel is not lasered (whichresults in the original indigo color of the fabric), and a white pixelmeans the pixel will be lasered at highest level (which results in thewhitest color that can be achieved on the fabric).

FIG. 21 shows an HLS adjustment layer that is created from the baseimage. The HLS adjustment layer (or adjustment layer) is like ableaching layer, which is an image of what the jeans would appear likeif the jeans were fully bleached or lasered. This layer is created bytaking the base image and adjusting its hue, saturation, and lightness.In an implementation, for this layer, the saturation is reduced comparedto the base layer, and the lightness is increased compared to the baselayer. And the hue is not adjusted compared to the base layer.

A technique of the digital brief tool is to combine the base image andadjustment layer based on the laser pattern mask. For a black pixel inthe laser pattern mask, the base layer will fully pass (and none of theadjustment layer) through to the final result image. For a white pixelin the laser pattern mask, the adjustment layer (and none of the baselayer) will fully pass through to the final result image. For gray pixelvalues, then a percentage of the base layer and adjustment layer willpass through to the final result image. For example, for a value in thelayer pattern mask, 90 percent of the base layer and 10 percent of theadjustment layer pass through to the final result image.

FIG. 22 shows a technique of creating a masked solid color adjustmentlayer. The digital brief tool creates the solid color adjustment layerby creating a layer of a solid color, mask this layer based on the baseimage, and then create masked solid color adjustment layer. An opacityof the masked solid color adjustment layer can be reduced, so that whencombined with the based image, the base image will pass through withsome tinting contributed by the masked solid color adjustment layer.

FIGS. 23-24 shows examples of two different adjustments or settings fora bright point operation. Adjusting bright point adjusts a rate oftransition from middle gray to white on the layer mask.

FIG. 25 shows adjustment of intensity. The intensity adjustment adjustsan opacity (e.g., 40 percent to 100 percent) of an HSL adjustment layer.At 100 percent, the HSL adjustment layer will be fully opaque, and thewear pattern will be very prominent in the brief image or preview.

FIG. 26 shows an array of images showing the effects of adjustments inbright point and intensity. Intensity changes are shown in an X or rowdirection, while bright point changes are shown in a Y or columndirection.

For first jeans in the first column (from a left of the array), thirdrow (from a top of the array), the bright point and intensity are bothL, indicating the least amount of bright point and intensity. For secondjeans in the second column, third row, these jeans have a bright pointof L and an intensity between L and H. The wear pattern of the secondjeans is more visible than that for the third jeans. For third jeans inthe third column, third row, these jeans have a bright point of L and anintensity of H, indicating the greatest amount of intensity. The wearpattern of the third jeans is more visible than that for the secondjeans.

For fourth jeans in the third column, second row, these jeans have abright point between L and H, and an intensity of H. The size or area ofthe wear pattern of the fourth jeans is larger than that for the thirdjeans. For fifth jeans in the third column, first row, these jeans havea bright point of H and an intensity of H. The size or area of the wearpattern of the fifth jeans is larger than that for the fourth jeans.

In an implementation, one or more of the base image, the HSL adjustmentlayer, the laser pattern mask, the solid color adjustment layer (opacityadjusted and non-opacity adjusted), and the final result image arethree-dimension images that show how a garment being customized appearsin three-dimension at eat of the steps at with image information forthese images is combines. Adjustment to the bright point and intensitymay be made to intermediary three-dimensional images of garment or finalthree-dimension images of garments.

FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of a technique of generating a preview ofa laser-finishing pattern on a garment, such as jeans. Inputs to acreate preview image process 2702 include a base template image 2707 andlaser input file 2709. The base template image is used to create anadjusted base template image 2717, which is also input to the createpreview image process. These create preview image process uses thesethree inputs to create a preview image 2727, which can be displayed on acomputer screen for the user.

The adjusted base template image is created from the base template imageby adjusting its hue, saturation, or lightness, or any combination ofthese. Compared to the original base template image, the adjusted basetemplate image will appear washed out or bleached. In other words, theadjusted base template image will appear as if the garment in the basetemplate image were fully bleached or lasered. The adjusted basetemplate image can be an HLS adjustment layer as discussed above.

For a specific implementation of a laser, a specification for the laserinput file is that each pixel is represented by an 8-bit binary value,which represents grayscale value in a range from 0 to 255. A 0 blackprints the highest intensity (i.e., creates the most change and will bethe lightest possible pixel) and a 255 white does not print at all(i.e., creates the least change or will be the darkest possible pixel).

For a laser input file for this laser implementation, a reverse ornegative image of the laser input file is input to the create previewimage process. Based on the negative laser input file, to create eachpixel in the preview image, the create preview image process will passpixels of the base template image or the adjusted base template image,or a combination of these.

For the negative laser input file, a black pixel means the pixel (whichwas a white pixel in the original file) will not be lasered (whichresults in the original indigo color of the fabric). And a white pixelmeans the pixel (which was black in the original file) will be laseredat highest level (which results in the whitest color that can beachieved on the fabric). And for gray pixels between black and white,the result will be proportional to the value, somewhere between darkestand lightest colors.

Similarly, to create the preview image, based the negative laser inputfile, a pixel of a (1) base template image (e.g., unbleached) or (2)adjusted base template image (e.g., bleached) or (3) some mixture orcombination of the base template image and adjusted base template imageproportional to the grayscale value in the negative laser input file.For example, for a gray value in the negative laser input file, 60percent of the base layer and 40 percent of the adjustment layer passthrough to the preview image.

The above discussion described a laser input file conforming to one typeof logic. However, in other implementations of a laser, the values inthe laser input file can be the reverse or negative logic compared tothat described above. As one of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate, the techniques described in this patent can be modifiedaccordingly to work with negative or positive logic laser input files.

FIGS. 28-43 show a number of screens for the preview tool 1703 or thedigital brief tool 1803, such as for Levi's Customization Studio withProject F.L.X. The screens may be displayed on a client system 1301 or1401 (e.g., smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, or othercomputer systems) or other system on which the preview tool or digitalbrief tool is operating. In an implementation, the screens may be for aconsumer digital brief tool or a consumer preview tool where theconsumer digital brief tool and the consumer preview tool have a morerestricted feature set compared to a full or general digital brief toolor a full or general preview tool for a garment designer. A user caninteract with the tools via the screens using a human interface device,such as keyboard device or touch screen interface of the client system.

In an implementation, the preview tool is a consumer digital brief tool,such as for Levi's Customization Studio with Project F.L.X. The consumerbrief tool may be similar to a full or general digital brief tool for adesigner, but may have a more restricted feature set. The consumerdigital brief tool allows a consumer user to design apparel that mayinclude a laser finish. The consumer digital brief tool can execute on adevice such a computer, electronic tablet (e.g., Apple iPad), orsmartphone. The user can interact with the tool using a keyboard deviceor touch screen interface.

The computer system is adapted to store and run computer code for thepreview tool, the digital design tool, the consumer digital design tool,or any combination of these tools. That is, the computer system isadapted to store and run computer code for any of the digital brief tool1803, operations 1805 associated with the digital brief tool, operations1826 associated with the digital brief tool, the display digital brief1711, any combination of these modules and operations, or other modulesand operations. These software tools are sometimes referred to assoftware modules or simply modules. The consumer digital brief tool maybe operated in a mobile processing system that can be moved fromlocation to location where consumers can order and purchases garmentsthat they consumers customize using the consumer digital brief tool. Anumber of mobile systems that includes shipping containers are describedbelow.

FIGS. 28-29 show screens that include user selectable options 2800 a and2800 b for selecting garments for women or men. FIG. 28 shows a screenwhere garments that can be selected for designing. The garments in theexample screen include a trucker jackets and jeans, such as 501original, hi-ball roll, and 501 light. FIG. 29 shows a screen wheregarments for women 2800 a has been selected and shows various garmentthat can be selected for customizing. The women's garments in theexample screen include a trucker jackets and jeans, such as 501 mid and501 light. Other garments may be displayed for selection.

FIG. 30 shows a screen where the user can add a pattern or artwork, suchas a logo, to add to a garment. These pattern or patterns will beapplied onto the fabric of the garment by a laser finishing system.

FIG. 31 shows a screen showing additional patterns or artwork, inaddition to, for example, logos, the user can select from. For example,these patterns can include camo or camouflage, plaids, stripes, andothers. These patterns can be repeated multiple times to extend inmultiple directions, to increase the area of coverage on a garment.These pattern or patterns will be applied onto the fabric of the garmentby a laser finishing system.

FIG. 32 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket. The user canselect to view the front or back by selecting the appropriate button inan editing window or interface. Using the consumer digital brief tool,the user is able to see the back side of the garment, for both tops andbottoms. The system can store images in pairs. The user can select theback to digitally flip the garment over.

In the editing interface, the user can make selections as to a shade,overdye, intensity (e.g., a slider bar), post-wash bleach, and tint. InFIG. 32 , the user has selected overdye and an intensity of 0.00. As theuser makes these selections, the resulting changes to the garment areshown to the user in real time to the user.

FIG. 33 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where overdyeis selected and a slider bar for the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.45. This increases an intensity of the shade, so that theindigo will be a deeper shade. The change in coloration of the back ofthe trucker jacket is displayed in real time on the screen to the user,as the user adjusts the slider.

FIG. 34 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where overdyeis selected and the slider bar for the intensity the shade has beenadjusted to 0.90. The coloration of the trucker jacket is the deepestshade of indigo that is permitted by the tool. The change in colorationof the back of the trucker jacket is displayed in real time on thescreen to the user, as the user adjusts the slider.

FIG. 35 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where an optionfor overdye is turned off and post-wash bleach is turned on. Thecoloration of the trucker jacket is adjusted in real time, showing thehow the back of the jacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 36 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where anoption for post-wash bleach is turned on and the intensity the shade hasbeen adjusted to 0.08. The coloration of the trucker jacket is adjustedin real time, showing the how the back of the jacket will appear aftermanufacture.

FIG. 37 shows a screen showing a back of a trucker jacket, where anoption for post-wash bleach is turned on and the intensity the shade hasbeen adjusted to 0.15. The coloration of the trucker jacket is adjustedin real time, showing the how the back of the jacket will appear aftermanufacture.

FIG. 38 shows a screen showing back of a pair of jeans where patternshwm 073 back TR, hwm 073 back TL, hwm 073 back BR, and hwm 073 back BLhave been applied. A selected intensity is 0.40 and bright point is0.23. The coloration of the jeans and patterns are adjusted and appliedin real time, showing the how the back of the jeans will appear aftermanufacture.

FIG. 39 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 013 has been applied. A selected intensity is 0.50 andbright point is 0.30. A tint option is turned on, and a particular tintshade is selected (e.g., indicated by a circle around a shade circle)with an intensity of 0.25. The coloration of the jacket and pattern areadjusted and applied in real time, showing the how the back of thejacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 40 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 012 has been applied. A selected intensity is 1.00 andbright point is 0.53. The coloration of the jacket and pattern areadjusted and applied in real time, showing the how the back of thejacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 41 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternLEVI_S LOGO 005 has been applied. A selected intensity is −0.07 andbright point is 0.25. A tint option is turned on, and a particular tintshade is selected (e.g., indicated by a circle around a shade circle)with an intensity of 0.36. The coloration of the jacket and pattern areadjusted and applied in real time, showing the how the back of thejacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 42 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker GEM_LAND_C has been applied. A selected intensity is0.97 and bright point is 0.15. A tint option is turned on, and aparticular tint shade is selected (e.g., indicated by a circle around ashade circle) with an intensity of 0.31. The coloration of the jacketand pattern are adjusted and applied in real time, showing the how theback of the jacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 43 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker ALLOVER_00143 has been applied. A selected intensity is0.51 and bright point is 0.22. A tint option is turned on, and aparticular tint shade is selected (e.g., indicated by a circle around ashade circle) with an intensity of 0.30. The coloration of the jacketand pattern are adjusted and applied in real time, showing the how theback of the jacket will appear after manufacture.

FIG. 44 shows a screen showing back of a trucker jacket, where a patternWomen's Trucker ALLOVER_00143 has been applied. A selected intensity is0.41 and bright point is 0.17. A tint option is turned on, and aparticular tint shade is selected (e.g., indicated by a circle around ashade circle) with an intensity of 0.19. The coloration of the jacketand pattern are adjusted and applied in real time, showing the how theback of the jacket will appear after manufacture.

Some additional features of the consumer digital brief tool includepatches. Patch images are processed in a similar way as damages(discussed elsewhere), where the image is overlaid onto the basegarment, rather than processed like a laser file. Overlaid designfeatures include: damages, patches, hem treatments. As shown above,Levi's logos can be added as “laser patches.” These images are processedin a similar way as laser patterns, but they are not wear patterns.These images are of logos, shapes, textures, or any artistic design thatdoes create the look of natural worn denim.

The tools also allow further wet processing including tinting, overdyeand post-wash bleach. Overdye is similar to tint, but a heavier effect.Tint is subtle while overdye allows a user to change the color moredramatically. For post-wash bleach, the garment can be slightly bleachedduring the post-wash. This functionality allows the user to lighten theimage in order to visualize this effect.

A brief description of the FIGS. 28-44 follows. FIG. 28 : Menu showingmen's and women's bottoms and tops. FIG. 29 : Selected women's showsbottoms and truckers menu items on left. FIG. 30 : “laser patches” menu(1/2). FIG. 31 : “laser patches” menu (2/2). FIG. 32 : Overdyeintensity—0. FIG. 33 : Overdye intensity—half. FIG. 34 : Overdyeintensity—full. FIG. 35 : Post-wash bleach—0. FIG. 36 : Post-washbleach—half. FIG. 37 : Post-wash bleach—full. FIG. 38 : Garment“flipped” to the back. Back seat image and appropriate patternselection. FIG. 39 : Example of denim top with laser patch, and tint(1/5). FIG. 40 : Example of denim top with laser patch. FIG. 41 :Example of denim top with laser patch, and tint (2/5). FIG. 42 : Exampleof denim top with laser patch, and tint (3/5). FIG. 43 : Example ofdenim top with laser patch, and tint (4/5). FIG. 44 : Example of denimtop with laser patch, and tint (5/5).

In an implementation, each of the garment preview images shown in FIGS.38-44 is a three-dimensional garment preview image. Thethree-dimensional garment preview images allow a user to see how thecustomized garments will appear on their body. In an implementation, thegarment preview images and the three-dimensional garment preview imagesare rotatable. Thus, a user can see how the garment will appear on theirbody from more than one point of view (e.g., angles of rotation), suchas two or more points of view.

FIGS. 45-46 show a computer system 1301 or 1401 (e.g., a smartphone ortablet computer) operating the preview tool 1703, the digital brief tool1803, or the consumer digital brief tool, or any combination of thesetools. The computer system is adapted to store and run software modulescode for any combination of software tools described above, such as thesoftware tools shown in FIGS. 16-18 . These software tools are sometimesreferred to as software modules or simply modules. The followingdescribes modules, user interface screens, and other parts of thepreview tool. However, any of the following description may apply to thedigital brief tool or the consumer digital brief tool.

In an implementation, the preview tool includes a menu 4501 for orderoptions. Order options that are displayed in the menu can be selected bya customer, via a touch screen of the computer system, a humaninteraction device, or others.

In an implementation, the preview tool displays a garment preview image4500 of the preview tool in combinations with the order optionsdisplayed in the menu 4501. The garment preview image may be a basegarment image having user selected options. The order options mayinclude options provided by the preset design tool 805, the customdesign tool 815, and the sizing tool 810. The preview tool interface canbe adapted to update the base garment image as various order options areselected from the menu. While the base garment image is jeans, the imagecan be any selected garment, bag, or others.

The garment preview image shows the garment in a three-dimensional view.The three-dimensional view of the garment preview image shows how agarment that is being customized using the preview tool will appear onthe user's body when the user purchases and wears the garment. In animplementation, the garment preview image in the three-dimension view isa pare of jeans, but can be any garment, such as a jacket, shorts,shirts, hat, backpack, scarf, hat, or other garment items.

In an implementation, the garment preview image is rotatable and each ofthe rotated view of the garment preview image is a three-dimensionalimage. The multiple three-dimensional view of the preview garment imageallows the user to see how the garment will appear on the user's bodyfrom multiple viewpoints (e.g., multiple angles of rotation).

All customization applied to a garment that are selected by a user areshown in the three-dimensional view of the garment preview image. Thus,a user will not only see how the garment will appear on their body inthree-dimension, a user will all see how each customization will appearon the garment in three-dimensions on the user's body. Atwo-dimensional, in comparison with a three-dimensional view, does notallow a user to see how a garment will actually appear on their body anddoes not allow a user to see how their selected customizations of agarment will appear on their body.

In an implementation, the preview tool includes one or more options fordisplaying the front and back of the base garment image or for smoothrotation of the garment image for viewing from more view than front andback. The front and back view of jeans 4500 are both shown in athree-dimensional view so that a user can see how the jeans will appearon their body in three-dimensions. The smooth rotated views are alsothree-dimensional view. The preview tool may allow the garment to be“clicked” on using a human interface device to rotate the garmentbetween front and back. In an implementation, the preview tool includesa front select button (“+”) and a back select button (“−”) 4505 a thatallow for selection of a front view of a garment and a back view of agarment. In an implementation, the preview tool includes a slider bar4505 b or another tool that allows for rotations of a garment displayedby the preview tool. The slider tool may allow for a number of angledviews to be displayed, such as more than two views (e.g., front andback). For example, the slider tool may allow for 360 rotated views(e.g., a view for every angle of rotation from 0 degrees to 360degrees).

In an implementation, the preview tool includes a user selectable option4510 for selecting the shade of denim of the base template jeans. Theuse selectable option may include a dropdown menu. There can be a numberof base templates colors to choose from where the base templates havedifferent colors of denim. The colors may include indigo and indigo sky(as indicated on the preview tool shown in FIG. 46 ), dark dark (e.g.,which may be referred to as ddark), dark, medium, light, or othershades. The dropdown menu for denim shape selection may include agraphical indicator (e.g., rectangle around the indigo sky option) thatindicates the particular shade of denim is selected. Each preview image(e.g., jeans) for the different shades is shown as three-dimensionalimages. Each preview image includes three-dimensional shadowing for thethree dimensional images so that the user can see how the garments lookin realistic lighted scene. The shadows rotate with the preview image asthe preview image is rotated. Thus, a user can see shadowing on thejeans in three-dimension from multiple viewpoints (e.g., multiple anglesof rotation).

The preview tool includes a user selectable option 4515 for selecting afinishing pattern that may be formed on a garment, such as jeans. Theuser selectable option 4515 may include a dropdown menu. A finishingpattern may be applied by the laser of the mobile finishing center 10 tojeans, such as jeans shown in the base template jeans image in thepreview tool 1703.

FIG. 47 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option 4515 is selected for the finishing patterns. Thefinishing patterns may include a wear pattern 4515 a that is associatedwith a naturally worn pattern that forms on a garment from extendedwear, washing, or both. The finishing patterns may include one or morefanciful design patterns 4515 b-4515 d. The design patterns may includea paisley type pattern, also referred to as a bandana pattern 4515 b.FIG. 47 shows the dropdown menu with the finishing pattern 4515 bselected and shows the bandana pattern on the previewed jeans. Thefinishing patterns on the preview images of the garment (e.g., jeans)are shown in three-dimensions. The finishing pattern rotate with thepreview image as the preview image is rotated. Thus, a user can see thefinishing pattern on the jeans in three-dimension from multipleviewpoints (e.g., multiple angles of rotation).

The design pattern may include an animal print 4515 c, such as a leopardpattern. FIG. 48 shows the dropdown menu with the finishing pattern 4515c selected and shows the leopard print pattern on the previewed jeans.

The design pattern may include letters, numbers, or other symbols 4515 dor graphics combined letters, numbers, or other symbols. The dropdownmenu for a finishing pattern may include a graphical indicator (e.g.,rectangle around the bandana pattern) that indicates the particularfinishing pattern is selected.

Additionally, the preview tool may include additional options that allowa user to make other adjustments such, changing an intensity of thepattern, changing a bright point of the pattern, or adding damage to thedesign. The jeans images and laser finishing patterns may be stored inone or more formatted files in one or more mobile devices operating thedigital design tool 800

For any changes the user makes, the user will see changes in the previewimage in real-time. The preview shows the user how the jeans will appearafter it is manufactured by the mobile finishing center. By selectingdifferent combinations of laser files and base jeans templates, acustomer can create numerous different jeans designs and have thesemanufactured by the mobile finishing center.

FIG. 49 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option 4520 is selected for the lived in option. Thelived in option includes an option for no lived in appearance 4520 a, aworn lived in appearance 4520 b, and a damaged appearance 4520 c. Thepreview of the base garment jeans in FIG. 49 is shown with the wornimage. Worn includes normal wear, such as on the knee portion of jeanswhere a person might kneel down and wear their jeans at the knee. Wornmay also include locations on a garment where the warp fibers are wornthrough, but the weft fibers are not worn through. In an implementation,the worn pattern can be moved to various locations on the jeans forexample by dragging and dropping with a human input device.

FIG. 50 shows the dropdown menu for the lived in option with the damagedappearance 4520 c selected. The preview of the base garment jeans inFIG. 50 is shown with the damage image. Damage may include locations ona garment where the warp and a portion of the weft fibers are both wornthrough. In an implementation, the damage pattern can be moved tovarious locations on the jeans for example by dragging and dropping witha human input device.

The wear and damage patterns on the preview images of the garment (e.g.,jeans) are shown in three-dimensions. The wear and damage patternsrotate with the preview image as the preview image is rotated. Thus, auser can see the wear and damage patterns on the jeans inthree-dimension from multiple viewpoints (e.g., multiple angles ofrotation).

FIG. 51 shows a dropdown menu in a dropdown state when theuser-selectable option 4525 is selected for a tint color optionselected. The tint color option includes options for a number of tintsthat may be applied to a garment. In the particular implementation shownin FIG. 51 , the tint color options include no tint 4525 a, a rose tintcolor 4525 b, a black tint color 4525 c, and a bright blue tint color4525 d. The preview of the base garment jeans in FIG. 51 is shown withthe rose tint color 4525 b selected. FIG. 52 shows the preview of thebase garment jeans with the black tint color 4525 c selected. FIG. 53shows the preview of the base garment jeans with no tint color 4525 aselected. FIG. 45 shows a preview of the base garment jeans with no tintcolor from a back view of the jeans.

The tint of the garment in the preview image is shown inthree-dimensions. The tint rotates with the preview image as the previewimage is rotated. Thus, a user can see the tint on the jeans inthree-dimension from multiple viewpoints (e.g., multiple angles ofrotation).

In an implementation, preview tool 1703 includes a menu 4530 for waistsizes for jeans from which a user may select a desired waist size. Thepreview tool may also include a menu 4535 for inseam length from which auser may select a desired inseam length. The waist and inseam sizes areshown in inches but may be displayed in other units, such ascentimeters. The preview tool may include one or more other menus forjeans sizes, such as hip size.

For other types of garments, one menu for garment sizes might beprovided by the preview tool. For example, for a shirt, one size menumight be provided by the preview tool where the sizes include extrasmall, small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large, xxx-large, othersizes, or any combination of these sizes. In another implementation,three or more menus may be provided for sizing, such as three size menusfor shirts that may include menu options for torso length, chestcircumference, and sleeve length. The preview tool may also display andprovide a link 4540 to another user interface page that includesinformation for interpreting size information, such as linking torsolength, chest circumference, and sleeve length to sizes, such as extrasmall, small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large, xxx-large, othersizes.

In an implementation, the preview tool displays a user-selectable screenbutton 4545 that may be selected to add a specified garment (e.g., jeanswith a light indigo color, a bandana pattern, damage, rose tint, 34 inchwaist, and 32 inch inseam) to an electronic shopping bag, sometimesreferred to an electronic shopping cart. When the specified garment isadded to the electronic shipping bag, the digital design tool 800 maydisplay another interface, such as the digital design tool interface 835(e.g., shown in FIG. 56 ), where a purchase of the specified garment maybe made. After the purchase is made, the garment may be laser processedin the mobile finishing center and the finished garment deliver to apurchaser is a relatively short time, such as half of an hour to threehours (e.g., about the length of a sports match).

In an implementation, the preview tool displays a user-selectable screenbutton 4550 that may be selected to save a specified garment design. Thespecified garment design may be stored in the mobile device operatingthe digital design tool 800, may be stored remotely in a data center,may be stored on a user's own device (e.g., mobile device), or anotherdevice. The specified garment design may be recalled from memory tomodify the design or to purchase the garment having the design.

In an implementation, the preview tool displays a user-selectable screenbutton 4555 that may be selected to reset of a specified garment design.A reset design may include a base denim shade, no pattern, no lived inoptions, no tint, and no size information. After a design is reset, thepreview tool displays an essentially blank pallet from which a newdesign may be specified using the preview tool.

FIGS. 54-55 show the preview tool 1703 with a base garment jeans 4590having a number of options selected, such as the bandana finishingpattern and a black tint. The base garment jeans 4590 in FIG. 54 isshown having a first magnification and the base garment jeans 4590 isshown in FIG. 55 having a second magnification. The second magnificationis larger than the first magnification. In an implementation, screenbuttons 4505 a are adapted for increasing and decreasing themagnification of the displayed base garment jean. The “+” screen buttonmay increase the magnification (e.g., enlarge) of the displayed image ofthe base garment jeans when selected and the “—” button may decrease themagnification (e.g., shrink) of the displayed image of the base garmentjeans when selected. The pattern and tint are magnified and shrunk asthe base garment jeans are magnified and shrunk.

The preview images for the garment in the normal size and in themagnified view are both shown in three-dimensions. The normal sizedgarment and the magnified garment rotate with the preview image as thepreview image is rotated. Thus, a user can see the jeans inthree-dimension from multiple view points (e.g., multiple angles ofrotation) in multiple magnifications.

FIG. 56 shows the computer system 1301 or 1401 with an order toolinterface of the preview tool 1703 displayed on the display of thecomputer system, in an implementation. The order tool interface may bedisplayed after the add to bag option 4545 is selected on the previewtool 1703. The order interface tool includes a menu for order options.

In an implementation, the order tool interface displays a garment image4590 having the options selected using the preview tool. The order toolinterface can be adapted to update the garment image as various orderoptions are selected from the garment. For example, if a preset designwith whiskers is selected from the order options, then the garment image(e.g., jeans) is displayed with whiskers. If the present design forwhiskers is deselected, then the garment preview image is displayedwithout whiskers. While the garment preview image is jeans, the imagecan be any selected garment, bag, or others.

The preview image of the ordered garment is shown in three-dimensions sothat the user can see how the customized garment that they are about topurchase will appear on their body in three-dimensions. In animplementation, the preview image of the garment in three-dimension isrotatable on the order tool interface (e.g., curser click on the garmentand drag for rotation) and each rotated view of the garment can be athree-dimensional view of the garment.

FIG. 57 shows a block diagram of a technique of generating a preview ofa laser-finishing pattern on a garment, such as jeans. Inputs to acreate preview image process 5702 include a base template image 5707 andlaser input file 5709. The base template image is used to create anadjusted base template image 5717, which is also input to the createpreview image process. These create preview image process uses thesethree inputs to create a preview image 5727, which can be displayed on acomputer screen for the user.

The adjusted base template image is created from the base template imageby adjusting its hue, saturation, or lightness, or any combination ofthese. Compared to the original base template image, the adjusted basetemplate image will appear washed out or bleached. In other words, theadjusted base template image will appear as if the garment in the basetemplate image were fully bleached or lasered. The adjusted basetemplate image can be an HLS adjustment layer as discussed above.

For a specific implementation of a laser, a specification for the laserinput file is that each pixel is represented by an 8-bit binary value,which represents grayscale value in a range from 0 to 255. A 0 blackprints the highest intensity (i.e., creates the most change and will bethe lightest possible pixel) and a 255 white does not print at all(i.e., creates the least change or will be the darkest possible pixel).

For a laser input file for this laser implementation, a reverse ornegative image of the laser input file is input to the create previewimage process. Based on the negative laser input file, to create eachpixel in the preview image, the create preview image process will passpixels of the base template image or the adjusted base template image,or a combination of these.

For the negative laser input file, a black pixel means the pixel (whichwas a white pixel in the original file) will not be lasered (whichresults in the original indigo color of the fabric). And a white pixelmeans the pixel (which was black in the original file) will be laseredat highest level (which results in the whitest color that can beachieved on the fabric). And for gray pixels between black and white,the result will be proportional to the value, somewhere between darkestand lightest colors.

Similarly, to create the preview image, based the negative laser inputfile, a pixel of a (1) base template image (e.g., unbleached) or (2)adjusted base template image (e.g., bleached) or (3) some mixture orcombination of the base template image and adjusted base template imageproportional to the grayscale value in the negative laser input file.For example, for a gray value in the negative laser input file, 60percent of the base layer and 40 percent of the adjustment layer passthrough to the preview image.

The above discussion described a laser input file conforming to one typeof logic. However, in other implementations of a laser, the values inthe laser input file can be the reverse or negative logic compared tothat described above. As one of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate, the techniques described in this patent can be modifiedaccordingly to work with negative or positive logic laser input files.

FIG. 58 shows an overall flow for creating a three-dimensional previewimage for an apparel product, such as a pair of jeans. Thethree-dimensional preview images described above for use with previewtool 1703 and other tools are created and displayed according to thedescribed flow, in an implementation. The flow includes:

1. A deconstruct garment step S806. A garment is cut into separatepieces so the pieces can be photographed flat. The shape of the cutpieces are specifically sized and selected for ensuring a high qualitythree-dimensional preview.

2. A photograph pattern pieces step S812. The pieces of the garment arephotographed while flat on a surface. Compared to photographing thepieces while sewed together, where sections of the garment may be

3. An extract shadow neutral digital pattern pieces 5818.

4. A create shadow neutral texture pieces 5824.

5. A map shadow neutral texture to three-dimensional (3-D or 3D) modelstep S830.

6. An apply simulated light or shadowing, or both, step S836.

The following describes a specific implementation of deconstructing agarment 5806. FIGS. 59A-59F show photographs of cutting a garment intopieces. The photos are for a specific implementation where the garmentis a pair or pants, and in particular, a pair of jeans. Not that theseams are not ripped or cut, but rather the cut pieces include the seamswith thread. This ensures the three-dimensional preview will representthe seams properly. Also, the cut pieces do not necessarily correspondto the pattern panels used to contrast the garment. The cut pieces arecut into shapes that are appropriate for photographing flat and use ingenerating the three-dimensional preview.

The following describes a specific implementation of photograph patternpieces 5812. A photograph of each deconstructed pattern pieces is taken.Each photograph can be stored in a digital file, such as a JPEG, highefficiency video coding (HVEC), or other image file format.

FIG. 60 shows a system for taking photographs of the garment pieces. Thesystem includes a camera 6009 and lighting 6012 and 6016. Typically, thecamera and lights are mounted or positioned against or near a wall orceiling of a room, or on one side of room. A garment or garment pieces6027 that are to be photographed are laid flat on a surface, facing thecamera and lighting. In an implementation, the camera and lightning arepositioned above a table or other work surface 6029, horizontallyorientated, upon which the garment is placed.

Alternatively, the camera and lightning are positioned on a side, andthe work surface is vertically orientated on another side facing thecamera and lightning. The garment pieces that be attached, such as usingglue, pins, or hook and loop fasteners, to the vertical work surface.

The room can be a light room or light box. The room and work surface aretypically painted or colored a white color. For good or best results,the white color used should be consistently the same shade throughoutthe room. Then any white balance adjustment or correction made at thecamera or digitally after the photographs are taken will be moreprecise.

The lights of the lightning are positioned laterally (e.g., distributedevenly along the same plane as the work surface, which can be referredas an X direction) to evenly illuminate the work surface. So, thegarment will be evenly illuminated without noticeably or significantlybrighter or darker areas or portions. The lightning is also positioned adistance above the work surface (which can be referred as a Y direction)to allow for more even illumination.

The lens of the camera is positioned above (in the Y direction) thelighting source, so that the camera does not cast a shadow on the worksurface or garment (e.g., horizontally orientated). And the camera canbe positioned in the X direction so that lights are arranged uniformlyabout the camera lens. For example, in FIG. 60 , camera 6009 is betweenlights 6012 and 6016. Also the camera lens should be positioned directlyover the garment (in the X direction) being photographed. This ensuresthe photographs taken will not be at an angle.

A specific example of extract shadow neutral digital pattern pieces 5818follows. After the photographs are taken, each photograph is processedto extract neutral digital pattern pieces. In the extraction process,the background and shadowing, if any, is removed.

As examples, FIGS. 61A-61B show photographs of a waistband pieces on thework surface, and FIG. 88C shows the extracted neutral digital patternpiece for the waistband. The physical waistband may be cut into multiplepieces, and the photographs of the separate pieces can be digitallystitched together to create the complete extracted neutral digitalwaistband.

FIG. 61D shows a photograph of a left pant leg front of a pair of jeanswith the background, and FIG. 61E shows the extracted neutral digitalpattern piece for the left pant leg front. FIG. 61F shows a photographof a right pant leg front of the jeans with the background, and FIG. 61Gshows the extracted neutral digital pattern piece for the right pant legfront.

FIG. 61H shows a photograph of a right pant leg back or rear of thejeans with the background, and FIG. 61I shows the extracted neutraldigital pattern piece for the right pant leg back. FIG. 61J shows aphotograph of a left pant leg back or rear of the jeans with thebackground, and FIG. 61K shows the extracted neutral digital patternpiece for the left pant leg back.

The extracted pattern pieces are shadow neutral since the pattern pieceswere photographed while flat. In contrast, for garments that arephotographed or scanned while on a fit model or mannequin, the extractedpattern pieces would not be shadow neutral. The garment pieces based oncurved surfaces, conforming to the shape of the fit model or mannequin.When the curved surfaces are flattened, there would be shadowing, suchas wrinkles and other aberrations. So, when those nonshadow neutralextracted pattern pieces are used with a three-dimensional model togenerate a preview, the preview will have an appearance that does notlook natural, such as having unusual shadowing.

A specific example of create shadow neutral texture pieces 8524 follows.FIGS. 62A-62C show the extracted shadow neutral pattern pieces. FIG. 62Dshows a shadow neutral texture created using the extracted shadowneutral pattern pieces and a color layer 6202.

To create the shadow neutral texture, the extracted shadow neutralpattern pieces are combined with a color layer, which typically is acolor which is close to that of a color the garment. For example, forblue jeans, the color layer used will be a similar shade of blue orindigo as on the blue jeans.

The color layer of the shadow neutral texture allows stitching togetherof the different neutral pattern pieces, when mapped to athree-dimensional model, such any potential gaps between the patternpieces will appear seamless. For example, if a very different color isused for the color layer, such as white, than the jeans color, then gapsthat do not exactly align may show this color (e.g., white line).

A specific example of map shadow neutral texture to three-dimensional(3D) model 5830 follows. FIG. 63A shows a created shadow neutral texture6307. FIG. 63B shows a front view of a three-dimensional model, whichthe shadow neutral texture will be applied or mapped to. FIG. 63C showsa result of mapping the shadow neutral texture to the three-dimensionalmodel. This figure shows the front of the garment with the form andwrinkles resulting from the mapping to the three-dimensional model. Thisimage can be used as a three-dimensional preview image.

Similarly, FIG. 63D shows a back or rear view of the three-dimensionalmodel, which the shadow neutral texture will be applied or mapped to.FIG. 63E shows a result of mapping the shadow neutral texture to thethree-dimensional model. This figure shows the back of the garment withthe form and wrinkles resulting from the mapping to thethree-dimensional model. This image can be used as a three-dimensionalpreview image.

There are various ways to generate a three-dimensional model. Onetechnique is to generate a three-dimensional model from a scan of aphysical three-dimensional object, such as a fit model or mannequin.Another technique to create a three-dimensional model from scratch usingsoftware. Such software can allow a designer to three-dimensional modelanalogous to using molding a clay sculpture. Another technique to createa three-dimensional model from software (e.g., computer aided design(CAD) or computer aided manufacturing (CAM) tool) where two-dimensionalpattern pieces of a garment are converted into to three dimensions.

A specific example of apply simulated light or shadowing, or both, 8536follows. A shadow neutral texture and three-dimensional model can beinputs to a rendering engine or software to render the preview image.Some examples of rendering engines include Google's ARCore, WebGL, andothers.

With the rendering engine, an object such as the garment can be renderedor previewed with shadowing generated by the engine or software. Theshadows will change based on a relative positioning of a simulated lightsource and object. Further, the rendering engine can change a cameraposition of point of view (POV) of the user, so that the preview willhave the shadowing from that camera position.

In a specific implementation, a rendering engine maps the shadow neutraltexture to the three-dimensional model, or preview image, and generatesthe preview image with shadowing based on a positioning of a simulatedlight source. The positioning of the light source can be changed orvaried.

For example, FIG. 64A shows an example of a simulated light sourcepositioned to a right of and above the garment. FIG. 64B shows anexample of a simulated light source positioned directly above (e.g.,centered) the garment. FIG. 64C shows an example of a simulated lightsource positioned to a left of and above the garment. The shadowing,wrinkles, and contours are shown in the preview image in accordance withpositioning the simulated light source. The shadows are generated by therendering software. This is in contrast to shadows that are presentgarment when the photographs or scans are taken, when a shadow neutraltexture creation approach is not user.

Alternatively, the user can rotate or change the positioning of thegarment, and the shadowing, wrinkles, and contours will be shown inaccordance with the changed positioning. This is due to the change inthe relative positioning between the garment and the light source. Theshadows are generated by the rendering software.

FIG. 65A shows an example of a first shadow neutral texture, which is apair of jeans having a finish of a first shade. FIG. 65B shows anexample of a second shadow neutral texture, which is a pair of jeanshaving a finish of a second shade. The second shade is different andlighter than the first shade. FIG. 65C shows various view of athree-dimensional model. There are front, back, left side, and rightside views.

FIG. 65D shows of the first shadow neutral texture mapped to thethree-dimensional model to generate a corresponding preview image. Thefigure shows various view of the preview image. FIG. 65E shows of thesecond shadow neutral texture mapped to the three-dimensional model togenerate a corresponding preview image. The figure shows various view ofthe preview image.

FIGS. 65A-65E show how a single three-dimensional model can be used withmultiple shadow neutral texture to generate a multiple preview images.This allows one three-dimensional model to be used with multiple shadowneutral textures to more easily and rapidly generate preview images withdifferent finishes.

Furthermore, there can be multiple three-dimensional models, such as afirst three-dimensional model and a second three-dimensional model. Thedifferent three-dimensional models may represent different fits orstyles. Then a single shadow neutral texture can be mapped to the firstthree-dimensional model to generate a corresponding preview image. Andthe single shadow neutral texture can be mapped to the secondthree-dimensional model to generate a corresponding preview image.

This allows generating multiple previews from a single shadow neutraltexture. For example, a first preview may be for a first fit or style inthe finish of the shadow neutral texture. And a second preview may befor a second fit or style in the same finish. This technique allows formore a single shadow neutral texture to be used to more easily andrapidly generate preview images of different models, where models canrepresent different fits (e.g., Levi's 501, 502, 504, 505, 511, 512,514, 541, 311, 710, or 711) or styles (e.g., skinny, boot cut, wide leg,straight, relaxed, super skinny, slim, tapered, athletic, boyfriend,wedgie, and others). The creation of three-dimensional preview imagesfor apparel products, such as a pair of jeans, is described in U.S.patent application 62/774,127, filed Nov. 30, 2018; 62/877,830, filedJul. 23, 2019; and Ser. Nos. 16/937,556 and 16/937,560, filed Jul. 23,2020. These applications are incorporated by reference.

Further, This application incorporates by reference U.S. patentapplications 62/715,788, filed Aug. 7, 2018, 62/774,127, filed Nov. 30,2018, Ser. No. 16/535,058, filed Aug. 7, 2019, issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,883,223 on Jan. 5, 2021, and Ser. No. 16/701,095, filed Dec. 2, 2019.

Three-dimensional preview image of garment may be rendered by a tabletcomputer of the system. In an implementation, the three-dimensionalpreview that is rendered by the tablet computer is not a photograph. Thethree-dimensional preview that rendered by the tablet computer is not areal-time camera view or video feed from a camera. To generate thethree-dimensional preview rendering, the tablet computer selects ashadow neutral texture (described above) that corresponds to a selectedshade that is selected from the preview tool and applies the shadowneutral texture to a three-dimensional model (described above).

FIG. 66 shows a process flow 6601 for the manufacture of apparel such asjeans, where the garments are finished using a laser. In this flow, adesigner designs (6603) one or more garment designs using softwaretools, such as the digital design tool described above. From the designtool, information on creating the design (e.g., laser input file) aresent to the manufacturing facility (6607). Samples of the garment aremanufactured using laser finishing. The samples are inspected, and afterthey approved and accepted as being a finalized design, photographs orother imagery (6611) of the finalized design are created.

The buyers or retailers (6615) make purchases based on the samples orimagery, or a combination. For online sales, the imagery is placed inthe retailer's online sales site, where customers can make orders(6619). Optionally, a number of garments of the finalized design can bemade and stored in inventory (6621). To fulfill the orders, the garmentsof the finalized design are shipped and delivered (6623) to thecustomers from inventory or directly from the manufacturer (if aninventory is not being kept or inventory is out of stock).

FIG. 67 shows another process flow 6701 for the manufacture of apparelsuch as jeans, where the garments are finished using a laser. In thisflow, a designer using a digital design tool (6702) to design one ormore garment designs. After design, samples of the garment are notmanufactured as in flow 6601. Rather, the design from the digital designtool is used to create design imagery (6705). The imagery can be, forexample, three-dimensional images or two-dimensional images. The digitaldesign tool can generate the imagery or the imagery maybe generatedusing another tool that takes input from the digital design tool.

The imagery is sent to the buyer or retailer (6715), where the imagerycan be placed on the online site for ordering (6719). For example, theimages sent to the retailer via e-mail, uploaded to the online site, orotherwise electronically transmitted to the retailer. The retailer canalready start taking orders even though the designed apparel item hasnot yet been manufactured, or reviewed or handled physically by thedesigner.

The imagery and design information (e.g., laser input file) are alsosent to the manufacturing facility (6722), where the garment design ismanufactured using laser finishing. Based on the imagery, themanufacturing facility will adjust parameters, as needed, at themanufacturing facility to ensure the garment has an appearance similaror consistent with the imagery from design. The manufacturing facilitycan receive information about orders, and manufacture on demand. Thiswill avoid manufacturing unnecessary product or creating excessinventory. The ordered products (e.g., jeans having a particularfinishing patter in a selected size) can be delivered (6726) to thecustomer who made the order. The delivery can be direct from themanufacturing facility (or fulfillment center) that has the orderedgarment. The manufacturing facility and fulfillment center may be samefacility.

A flow of design tool and how textures are generated is as follows. Seealso discussion above for FIGS. 19-26 . This flow of the design tool canbe used in conjunction of with flow 6701.

1. The design tool executes on a computer, such as a tablet (e.g., AppleiPad Pro tablet), laptop, or desktop. On the screen of the computer, theuser is presented a menu of bases. The user selects a base (e.g.,garment or jeans). Selection may be via a touch screen interface.

The base is displayed on the screen and represented by an image of aspecific resolution. Some examples of resolutions of the base image canbe 1024 by 1024 pixels, 2048 by 2048 pixels, 4096 by 4096 pixels, 1920by 1080 pixels (HD or high definition resolution), 3840 by 2160 pixels(4K resolution) or other resolutions. The greater the resolution, thegreater the clarity the images will be displayed on the screen. Also,the greater the resolution, the more the user will be able to zoom intothe image and the image will not become pixilated or blocky inappearance.

The user will be able to zoom in the image and see a magnified view ofdesigned or selected portions of the image. For example, the zoom-in ormagnification level can be specified as a percentage, which indicatesthe image is being viewed at a certain percentage of the actual size.Some percentages for zoom-in or the magnification level can be 100, 120,140, 150, 180, 200, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 360, 400, 500, or 1000percent or other value. The user will also be able to zoom out of theimage and see an expanded view of designed or selected portions of theimage. For example, the zoom-out level can be specified as a percentage,such as 100, 90, 80, 75, 70, 66, 60, 50, 40, 33 30, or 20 percent orother value. On a touch screen interface, the user can select the zoomlevel by using a pinch-in or pinch-out gesture with two fingers. Or thezoom level can be selected from a menu of zoom level values, or the usercan enter a specific zoom numerical value the user (e.g., 133, 92, 38,42, 17, or other input number directly input).

Also, the resolution of the base may be greater than or less than theresolution of the display. The base image can be scaled (e.g., upscaledor downscaled), as desired or needed, to fit within the screen window.

2. Using the base image, a base image HSL adjusted image or layer iscreated. The base image HSL adjusted image may have been previouslycreated, such as when the base image was created and added as a menuitem to the design tool.

The base image HSL adjusted image is a lightened image relative to thebase image. This lightened image can be referred to as a lightened baseimage, base image HSL adjusted image, or adjustment layer. To create thelightened base image, the base image can be image filtered ortransformed by image operations, such that a saturation level orbrightness level of the lightened base image is less than that of thebase image.

For example, in an implementation, a saturation level of the lightenedbase image is reduced relative to the base image. In an implementation,a brightness level of the lightened base image is reduced relative tothe base image. In an implementation, the saturation level and thebrightness level of the lightened base image are reduced relative to thebase image.

3. On the screen of the computer, the user is presented a menu offinishing options. For example, the user selects a wear pattern, artpattern, logo pattern, or other finishing pattern that will be createdby a laser on a garment. See discussion above with respect to FIG. 20for creating a laser pattern mask from the laser input file.

4. The base image, lightened base image, and laser pattern mask arecombined to create a preview image of the design that was created by theuser. See discussion above with respect to FIGS. 23-24 . If there arenot further aspects of the design (e.g., damage, postwash bleach, tint,or overdye), this preview image of the base image, lightened base image,and laser pattern mask can be used to generate the two-dimensional (2D)or three-dimensional (3D) imagery for the design. The flow will proceedto step 7 below. If there are further aspects of the design (e.g.,damage, postwash bleach, tint, or overdye), then additional processingof the image is performed to obtain the final preview image.

5. Damages. Damage or damages assets include, holes, emerging holes,cuts, fraying, and shredding that will be formed on the garment by thelaser. Adding damages to the design is optional. If the user does notwant to add damage, proceed to step 6. If the user wants to add damage,via the design tool, the type of damage can be selected from a menu andthen placed or positioned on the image result of the preview step (e.g.,base image, lightened base image, and laser pattern mask), and displayedto the user. The damage or a set of damages can be prepositioned for thegarment in a set positioning. For example, see the screen in FIG. 49that show three levels of damage, none, worn, and damaged. Or the usermay be permitted to select a damage asset, and place and reposition thedamage as desired. If there are not further aspects of the design, theflow will proceed to step 7 below.

6. Postwash Bleach, Tint, or Overdye. Each of these, or any combination,would occur after laser finishing and is optional. Postwash bleach is aused after laser finishing to lighten the finish. Postwash bleach can beperformed by adding bleach or another oxidation agent to a wash stepthat occurs after laser finishing.

Tint is a used after laser finishing to add a color cast or tint to thefinish. Tint can be performed by adding a tint dye to a wash step thatoccurs after laser finishing. Overdye is a used after laser finishing toadd a strongly saturated color onto the finish. Overdye can be performedby adding a dye to a wash step that occurs after laser finishing.Relative to tint, an overdye will involve a higher concentration of dye,so that the garment will become more deeply colored.

In the processing, overdye would occur first, then tint or overdye, asdesired. In an implementation, the user would have an option to add tintor overdye, but not both. If all three options are not selected, theflow will proceed to step 7.

If postwash bleach is selected, then the image from the previousprocessing in steps 4 and 5 would be further processed by the digitaltool to represent that the garment has be washed using a postwashbleach. The image would be processed similarly to the base HSL adjustedimage, where the hue, saturation, or lightness, or a combination, wouldbe adjusted to lighten the image. This would then become the previewimage.

If tint or overdye are selected, then the image from the previousprocessing in steps 4 and 5 (and any postwash bleach) would be furtherprocessed to add the tint or overdye to the image. The image would beproceed similar to that above in FIG. 19 for a solid tint layer. A solidcolor adjustment layer as appropriate for (i) a tint dye or (ii) anoverdye is created or generated. The tint dye is typically lesssaturated as compared to an overdye. The image will be combined with thesolid color adjustment layer, and the resulting image would be used asthe preview image.

7. With the design tool, the user or designer has created and finalizeda garment design and has a final photorealistic preview image or previewimage set. This preview image of the base image, lightened base image,and laser pattern mask can be used to generate the two-dimensional (2D)or three-dimensional (3D) imagery for the design.

As described in the flow 6701, this imagery would be design imagery 6705that is sent to retailer 6715 and manufacturing facility or factory 6722(e.g., laser finishing facility). For example, the retailer may receivethree-dimensional imagery of the design.

The three-dimensional imagery can be created as described above withrespect to FIGS. 58-65E. The three-dimensional imagery can have theappearance of the design as it is being worn, such as shown in FIGS. 65Dand 65E (based on a three-dimensional model shown FIG. 65C). Or thethree-dimensional imagery can have another three-dimensional appearance(e.g., different poses) as desired.

For example, the three-dimensional imagery can be a flat view, where thegarment is stretched out, such as how a garment (e.g., jeans) wouldappear when a cardboard insert is inserted into it. Some individuals(e.g., designers, customers, or manufacturing facility) may prefer athree-dimensional flat view in some circumstances because the entirefront face or rear face of garment, where they can more easily see theentire wear or finishing pattern, as compared to a three-dimensionalworn view. In contrast, some individuals (e.g., buyers or end consumers)may prefer a three-dimensional worn view because they want to envisionhow the garment might look when worn.

Different types of imagery can be sent to the retailer as compared tothe manufacturing facility. The retailer can be sent a first type ofimagery (three dimensional or two dimensional). The manufacturingfacility can be sent a second type of imagery (three dimensional or twodimensional), where the second type of imagery is different from thefirst type of imagery. For example, the retailer may receive thethree-dimensional worn view imagery, while the manufacturing facilitymay receive the three-dimensional flat view imagery.

The three-dimensional worn view imagery can help a consumer at theretailer's online site (e.g., Web selection and ordering site) decidewhether to buy a garment. The three-dimensional flat view imagery canhelp operators at the manufacturing facility manufacture the garment asintended by the designer. Operators can use the flat view can help alignor position certain features, such as wear or finishing pattern, damageassets, and others, more easily on a base template.

Further, imagery sent to the recipients (e.g., retailer or manufacturingfacility) can be in the form or a three-dimensional image file or videofile, which can be viewed using an appropriate viewer. The user will beable to view the file and change a perspective (e.g., rotate, zoom in,zoom out, or change a point of view) when viewing the design. Theimagery sent may include static images (e.g., JPG or TIFF file). Thesestatic images may be snapshots or captures of various specific views ofthe three-dimensional images, such as front perspective view, backperspective view, front view, back view, rotated view, and so forth.Further the static images can be based on the two-dimensional previewimages. The imagery can include three-dimensional imagery of varioustypes or poses or two-dimensional imagery, or any combination.

5. At the retailer's site, consumers can select sizing and make orders6719. Those orders 6719 are transmitted or submitted to manufacturingfacility 6722. At the manufacturing facility the ordered garments aremanufactured (e.g., laser finished according the consumer's order andthe design imagery from the designer). Then the order is sent from themanufacturing facility to the consumer for delivery 6726.

In an implementation, the manufacturing facility may manufacture some ofthe more popular garments in popular sizes before the order has beenmade. These garments would be stored in an inventory. An inventory isoptional and not shown in flow 6701. And when an order for a garment isreceived that is in inventory, then the garment form inventory will besent to the consumer. This may save some time, such as in situationswhere there is a backlog or when many orders are being requested at thesame. Then, at a later time (e.g., when there are fewer orders or thebacklog has been worked down), the manufacturing facility can make thegarment again to replenish the inventory.

FIGS. 68-78 shows screens from a digital design tool that a designer oruser can use to design garments for the flows described above. FIG. 68shows an initial screen of a digital design tool. The user selectsdigital base fit fabric or BFF. A digital BFF is a three-dimensionalmodel representing a specific fit Geometry mapped to a texture image(i.e., color map) representing a fabric and shade. For example, in FIG.17 , a BFF referred to as “Indigo Sky” has been selected. This BFF isfor a women's 501 skinny fit in a light shade. fabric

FIGS. 69-70 show a color map is modified to create digital finish usingthe following adjustments: (1) apply laser pattern, (2) apply damage anddistress, (3) adjust shade, and add tint or overdye.

The color map is a preview image of the base fit fabric in adisassembled form, where the garment (e.g., pants) has been cut apart toshow left and right portions. Later, after the design work is completed,the portions will be stitched back together digitally to form thecomplete image, three dimensional or two dimensional. See discussionabove on the shadow neutral pattern pieces which are from adeconstructed garment. The color map is representative of adeconstructed garment, with left and right portions, where the waistbandis attached.

FIGS. 71-72 show screens where the user can select and position a wearpattern. FIG. 72 shows some wear patterns the user can select from. Thewear patterns are applied to the image as described above. A laserpattern file is used to mask a hue saturation adjustment layer (e.g.,HSL layer) of the color map. In the screen of FIG. 71 , the pattern canbe adjusted with two sliders: (1) bright point, which adjusts theunderlying color map towards white (e.g., color value 255); and (2)intensity, which adjusts the contrast of the mask

FIGS. 73-74 show screens where the user can select and add damage. Withthe user interface, the user can add damage and distress. FIG. 73 showsa damage menu option. FIG. 74 shows some damage assets the user canselect from.

For the preview image, damage and distress can be applied as discussedabove. Further, for three-dimensional image rendering, an additionalnormal map layer may be used. Specifically, damage is added byoverlaying an image of a damage asset with a transparent background onthe color layer. A normal map is generated from the damage image andplaced on a normal map of the garment in the same scale, rotation, andposition.

FIGS. 75-76 show screens where the user can select and adjust the baseshade by postwash bleach. FIG. 76 shows a toggle to turn on or off apostwash bleach option. The user can adjust an intensity of the postwashbleach by a slider.

The user can adjust the base shade by postwash bleach, turning on theoption and then adjusting the slider to achieve the desired lightnessappearance. After postwash bleach is selected, the garment in thepreview in FIG. 76 has a lighter appearance than the garment in FIG. 75before postwash bleach is selected or enabled.

To generate the preview image, the base shade is adjusted according to asimilar method as described above for generating a preview image. Thebase is modified by a HSL (Hue Saturation Luminance) adjustment layer,where the hue and saturation are kept the same, but the luminance ismodified to be lighter.

FIGS. 77-78 shows screens where the user can select and adjust thefinish by the use of tint and overdye. FIG. 77 shows overdye and tintoptions, where both are not selected. FIG. 78 shows the tint option hasbeen selected, and a menu of tint colors from which the user can select.The user can adjust an intensity of the tint by a slider. For overdye,the options and selection would be similar to tint: enable overdye,select overdye color from menu, and adjust overdye intensity via aslider.

The user can select and adjust tint and overdye. For generate thepreview image, tint and overdye are added as described above. In brief,tint (or overdye) is added by blending a solid fill layer into the colormap using a multiply blend mode. An intensity of tint (or overdye) iscontrolled by adjusting an opacity of the solid fill layer.

FIG. 79 shows a three-dimensional preview of a garment. In the interfaceof the digital design tool, there is a “3D preview” button (e.g., seeFIG. 77 ) which the user can select. Upon selecting this button, theuser will be presented a three-dimensional preview such as shown in FIG.79 .

With the three-dimension preview option, the user can preview the finishin 3D. Adjustment layers are flattened into one single image and appliedto 3D model to create the preview. The 3D preview image is aphotorealistic rendering of how the garment will appear aftermanufacture.

Using three-dimensional modeling, the color map (rather than atwo-dimensional image layer) is mapped to a three-dimensional model.This model can be a three-dimensional flat model or a three-dimensionpose or on-body model.

FIGS. 80-81 show examples of three-dimensional flat imagery, generatedby mapping a color map onto a three-dimensional flat model. FIG. 80shows a front flat view of a pair of jeans. FIG. 81 shows a back flatview of the jeans.

FIG. 82 shows sample images of three-dimensional flat imagery at variousrotation angles.

FIG. 83 shows examples of three-dimensional imagery in a as-worn pose,generated by mapping a color map onto a three-dimensional pose oron-body model.

FIG. 84 shows examples of three-dimensional imagery in an as-worn pose,where the head of the model has been removed.

Preview imagery of the design generated using a three-dimensional flatmodel can be used by a manufacturing facility for created a physicalgarment that corresponds to the design. Preview imagery of the designgenerated using a three-dimensional pose or on-body model can be used byretailers to show the garment as it would appear when worn by a person.The pose imagery can be used on a retailer's Web site to show thegarment (e.g., thumbnail, full-size, and zoom-in or zoom-out views), andcustomers can order the garment based on the pose imagery.

After orders are received (e.g., based on the pose imagery), themanufacturer can send the orders to the manufacturing facility to createor make physical garment (e.g., based on the flat imagery) thatcorresponds to the ordered item. The product (e.g., garment) beingordered does not need to be manufactured in advance of the order beingmade, but can be made on demand. This approach can completely eliminatethe need for keeping an inventory of or item or product, or will reducethe amount of inventory or stock made in advance.

In an implementation, a method includes: providing a garment design toolthat shows a three-dimensional preview image of a garment design (e.g.,a pair of jeans) on a screen (e.g., computer screen, tablet screen, LCDmonitor, OLED monitor, flat panel display, or other) as customized by auser with a finishing pattern (e.g., wear pattern with whiskers, damageassets, and other); in the garment design tool, providing an option forthe user to select a garment base and upon the user's selection, showingin the screen a first preview image of the selected garment template(e.g., base template according to wash recipe such a dark, medium, orlight templates); in the garment design tool, providing an option forthe user to select a finishing pattern from a two or more finishingpatterns and upon the user's selection, showing on the screen a secondpreview image of the selected garment template with the selectedfinishing pattern, where each finishing pattern is associated with adigital input file (e.g., laser input file); combining a digital inputfile associated with the selected finishing pattern with a image of theselected garment template to generate a combined image; and generatingthe three-dimensional preview image of the garment design comprisingtexture mapping the combined image on a first three-dimensional model toobtain the first three-dimensional model with textures.

The combined image can be generated by: generating an adjusted baseimage from the image of the selected garment template without theselected finishing pattern; generating a pattern mask based on thedigital input file associated with the selected finishing pattern; for apixel at a pixel location of the combined image, obtaining a firstcontribution for the pixel location of the combined image by combining afirst value for a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for thepattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for theimage of the selected garment template without the selected finishingpattern; for the pixel at the pixel location of the combined image,obtaining a second contribution at the pixel location for the combinedimage by combining a second value for a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the pattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the adjusted base image; combining the first contributionand second contribution to obtain a color value for a pixel at the pixellocation for the second preview image; and using the color value for thepixel at the pixel location in the combined image.

In various implementations, the garment design tool can be a standaloneapplication such as a mobile app for use on a mobile device such as asmartphone or tablet, or a desktop app for use on a computer. Furtherthe garment design tool can accessible via a Web browser or be aWeb-based app that executes via a Web browser interface.

Texture mapping is a method for specifying high frequency detail,surface texture, or color information on a computer-generated graphic orthree-dimensional model. Texture mapping can be referred to diffusemapping. A method can map pixels from a texture to a three-dimensionalsurface (wrapping the image around the object). Also, a method caninclude multipass rendering, multitexturing, mipmaps, and more complexmappings such as height mapping, bump mapping, normal mapping,displacement mapping, reflection mapping, specular mapping, occlusionmapping, and many other variations. The result of texture mapping is aresult that is photorealistic or near-photorealistic. With texturemapping, a two-dimensional image is mapped on a three-dimensional model(e.g., surface or surfaces without textures) to obtain thatthree-dimensional model with the textures (e.g., surface or surfaceswith textures from the two-dimensional image).

The texture mapping can be performed by using a three-dimensionalmodeling process such as UV mapping, which involves projecting atwo-dimensional image (e.g., color map) to a three-dimensional model(e.g., flat model, or pose or on-body model) for texture mapping. U andV refer to the axes of the two-dimensional texture. The polygons thatmake up a three-dimensional are painted with color and other surfaceattributes from an image (e.g., color map). The resulting can be calleda UV texture map. The UV mapping process involves assigning pixels inthe image to surface mappings on the polygon. This can be done bycopying a triangular piece of the image map and pasting it onto atriangle on the object. When rendering the UV texture map, the UVtexture coordinates are used to determine how the three-dimensionalsurface is painted.

The texture mapping can be by using a projection mapping. This uses anypair of the model's X, Y, and Z coordinates or any transformation of theposition. The projection mapping maps into a texture space, rather thana geometric space as in UV mapping above. The texture mapping may beperformed by other techniques of texture mapping.

The three-dimensional model (e.g., first three-dimensional model) can bean on-body or pose model, which would be a model in a pose where thegarment is worn on a person's body. There may be multiple poses, and ifso, there would be multiple on-body or pose models (e.g., first posemodel, second pose model, and so forth). The pose models are useful forcustomers or buyers of an apparel item or product. The on-body or posemodel can show the garment product in an appearance when this garment isworn by a person.

Various techniques can be used to generate an on-body pose model.Augmented reality (AR) can integrate or place computer-generatedinformation such as virtual garment over the actual body of a user intheir real environment in real time using camera. Human bodyrecognition, detection, and tracking integrated with augmented realityenables the user to interact with the virtual garment through bodymovements. Body skeleton based joint positions and measurements areobtained and virtual garments are superimposed on the body by detectingthe user's skeleton based joint positions in real time.

The three-dimensional model can also be a flat model. As discussedabove, this can be used by a manufacturing facility to process or makethe garment. The flat model shows the garment as it would appear whenlaying flat. The finishing pattern and any damages are typically moreclearly shown using a flat model rather than a pose or on-body model.

To create an on-body model or pose model (e.g., smartphone camera,webcam, or digital camera) may be used. This camera can detect augmentedreality human body recognition and tracking. From this human bodyrecognition input, human body measurements can be made. This human bodyrecognition input can be used to determine human body skeleton and jointpositions. There is a garment model, where garment measurements andpoints are made.

Using the (i) human body measurements, (ii) human body skeleton andjoint positions, and (iii) garment measurements and points, the garmentis superimposed on a human body model (e.g., motion capture and poseestimate). This is used for the rendering, such as augmented reality orvirtual reality rendering). The rendering interacts with human bodymotion tracking.

Further, in addition to the flat model, or images of the flat model withtextures (e.g., a front view of the flat model and a back view of theflat model) the digital input file can be sent to the manufacturingfacility. For laser finishing, the digital input file can be a laserinput file. And the laser input file can be used by the laser to formthe laser finishing pattern onto the garment (e.g., jeans or other).Personnel at the manufacturing facility can view the flat model orimages of the flat model to ensure the finished product matches moreclosely to the design as contemplated by the designer or artist whenusing the garment design tool.

From the three-dimensional model, two-dimension images can be captured.For example, from the pose model, various two-dimensional pose imagescan be generated or captured at various rotation angles of the posemodel (with textures or applied texture mapping). Some examples ofrotation angles include 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270,300, 330, and 360 degrees. Also, the perspective can be changed, such asthe zoom in or zoom out, or the eye perspective can be offset. And animage of the model with textures can be captured with any combination ofrotation angle, zoom factor, or perspective.

Two-dimensional images or imagery (e.g., pose images based on a posemodel with mapped textures) may be delivered to an online store orseller (e.g., retailer). The images would be made available forcustomers to see at an online shopping site. Then a customer can order aproduct from the online shopping site based on the two-dimensionalimages (e.g., even before the product has been made). After one or moreorders, a request can be sent to a manufacturing facility to make theproduct. Then, products can be manufacture using an on-demandmanufacturing technique. No inventory or less inventory will be storedbefore a product is made available for sale. For example, the onlinesales imagery (e.g., pose or on-body model images) may be sent to anonline retailer before the design imagery (e.g., flat model images) aresent to the manufacturing facility.

In an implementation, a first model is an on-body model or pose modeland a second model is a flat model. Generally the on-body model or posemodel is used by an online shopping site while the flat model is used bymanufacturing.

In various implementations, the garment design tool provides atwo-dimensional preview image of the garment base template and a wear orfinishing pattern as a merged or combined image. Then tool can generatea three-dimensional rendering of this garment by using texture mappingof the merged or combined image on a three-dimensional model (e.g.,on-body or pose model or flat model). The result is thethree-dimensional model with textures from the combined image.

The combined image can be a color map, which includes images of thegarment panels (e.g., deconstructed, separated, or detached garmentpanels). For example, the color map can include a first deconstructed orseparated garment section (or piece or assembly) include a right frontleg panel and a right back leg panel. The color map can include a seconddeconstructed or separated garment section include a left front legpanel and a left back leg panel.

Referring to FIG. 73 as an example for a jeans design, for the firstdeconstructed or separated garment section (e.g., right side), theoutside seams of the right front leg panel and a right back leg panelwould remain joined or sewn together, while the inside seams and of thepanels would be separated, from a crotch point to a bottom hem of thejeans. Similar the right-side of the jeans would be separately similaron a back side. The second deconstructed or separated garment section(e.g., left side) would be similar to the first section. The first andsecond deconstructed or separated garment sections can be shown in thesame screen or window to the user.

The color map with separated garment sections is in contrast to thethree-dimensional model with textures (based on the color map). Theseparated garment sections are places on the three-dimensional model andjoined together. There are not gaps between the panels pieces orsections. For example, in a on-body or pose model view (e.g., FIGS. 79,83, and 84 ), the garment design is shown as worn by a person, where allthe panels are completely assembled together. This is in contrast to theseparate sections of the color map. The rendering process includes thetexture mapping and joining or connecting of the sections of thetextures together. FIGS. 80-82 show a rendering for the flat model view.

After the garment design is complete, this design can be sent to themanufacturing facility as, for example, the flat model with texturesrepresenting the design or imagery of the flat model with textures. Themanufacturing facility can use the flat model with textures or imageryand the digital input file to make the garment design using a laser. Thedigital input file can be a laser input file.

Or the manufacturing facility may be a traditional finishing processingfacility (e.g., using chemical and abrasion for finishing), thisfacility can make the garment design based on the flat model withtextures or related imagery. The same garment design may be produced byfacilities having laser capabilities (e.g., by use of the digital inputfile or laser input file), and by facilities without laser capabilities(e.g., where the digital input would not be input to a laser).

A garment manufacturer may have both laser-capable processing facilitiesand traditional processing facilities (which do not have lasermachines). The same garment design can be manufactured in one or bothfacilities from the same garment design as specified by thethree-dimensional model (e.g., flat model) with textures. Then thegarment manufacturer can increase the available production tomanufacture a particular garment design. The three-dimension model withtextures (of the garment design) or related imagery would be a singlespecification of the garment design that would be used by both types offacilities. This would ensure consistent garment design results by typesof facilities.

Below is a flow of image filters and image composition for a digitaldesign tool as described above. In a specific implementation, texturesare generated as follows in table B.

TABLE B base.image = 4096 × 4096 base pattern base.lightenedImage =base.image * SaturationBrightnessFilter(saturation: −0.15, brightness:0.25) Step 1. Generate Pattern For each wear, art, logo pattern: a.Combine the pattern layers using a DarkenBlend filter, taking thedarkest pixels. b. Apply a PatternFilter using the bright point and aclamp between 0 and −0.5. c. Invert the pattern since it appears whiteon the jeans but black in the UI, making the former black pixels whiteand the former white pixels transparent. d. Apply intensity filter usingCIColorMatrix Combine all patterns into one image using a MaximumFilter,taking the darkest values of each pixel color component. Step 2. ApplyMask Use BlendWithAlphaMask along with the pattern from step 1,base.lightenedImage as the foreground, and base.image as the background.This generates an image somewhere between base.image andbase.lightenedImage, depending on the pattern. Step 3. Apply Layers Drawthe detail layers (damage, patch) onto the current image. No pixelblending. Step 4. Apply Postwash Bleach Apply aSaturationBrightnessFilter with value between 0.0-0.15 (default 0.10).Step 5. Apply tint or overdye If tint, generate an image of the tintcolor and then use a multiplyCompose filter with the tint image and thecurrent image. Tint values range from 0-0.5 (default 0.05). If overdye,generate a gray image (RGB 0, 0, 0, alpha = intensity) and apply analphaMaskFilter between base.image and the gray image and thenmultiplyBlend this with base.image. This has the effect of multiplyingand darkening each pixel in the base with some percent of itself. Step6. Crop Crop as needed.

Table C presents a list of filters that can be used in generating thepreview image of the digital design tool

TABLE C Pattern: Apply the bright point using CIToneCurve andCIColorMap, clamping between 0 and −0.5. DarkenBlend: Creates compositeimages by choosing the darker samples from either the source image orthe background. Invert: Inverts the colors in an image. MaskToAlpha:Converts a grayscale image to a white image that is masked by alpha.BlendWithAlphaMask: Uses alpha values from a mask to interpolate betweenan image and the background. MaskBlend: Uses values from a grayscalemask to interpolate between an image and the background. Maximum: Takethe maximum (lightest) RGB values for every pixel ColorClamp: Modifiescolor values to keep them within a specified range. At each pixel, colorcomponent values less than those in inputMinComponents will be increasedto match those in inputMinComponents, and color component values greaterthan those in inputMaxComponents will be decreased to match those ininputMaxComponents. Alpha/ColorMatrix: Multiplies source color valuesand adds a bias factor to each color component. MultiplyCompose: Giventwo images, produce a third that is the result of multiplying each RGBsub-pixel with its counterpail. Since the subpixel values range from0-1, this generally produces a darker image than either of the twosource images. MultiplyBlend: Multiplies the input image samples withthe background image samples. SaturationBrightness: Adjust thesaturation and brightness of an image.

For the image filters, some ranges of the parameters can be as follows.For Postwash bleach, the range can be from 0.0 to 0.15, where a defaultis 0.10. For Tint, the range can be from 0.0 to 0.50, where a default is0.05. For Overdye, the range can be from 0.0 to 0.90, where a default is0.50. For Brightpoint, the range can be from −0.50 to 0.70, where adefault is 0.50. For Intensity, the range can be from −1.00 to 1.00,where a default is 1.00.

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of theinvention is defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a garmentdesign tool that shows a three-dimensional preview image of a garmentdesign on a screen as customized by a user with a finishing pattern; inthe garment design tool, providing an option for the user to select agarment base and upon the user's selection, showing in the screen afirst preview image of the selected garment template; in the garmentdesign tool, providing an option for the user to select a finishingpattern from a two or more finishing patterns and upon the user'sselection, showing on the screen a second preview image of the selectedgarment template with the selected finishing pattern, wherein eachfinishing pattern is associated with a digital input file; combining adigital input file associated with the selected finishing pattern with aimage of the selected garment template to generate a combined image,wherein the combined image is generated by generating an adjusted baseimage from the image of the selected garment template without theselected finishing pattern, generating a pattern mask based on thedigital input file associated with the selected finishing pattern, for apixel at a pixel location of the combined image, obtaining a firstcontribution for the pixel location of the combined image by combining afirst value for a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for thepattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixel location for theimage of the selected garment template without the selected finishingpattern, for the pixel at the pixel location of the combined image,obtaining a second contribution at the pixel location for the combinedimage by combining a second value for a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the pattern mask and a pixel corresponding to the pixellocation for the adjusted base image, combining the first contributionand second contribution to obtain a color value for a pixel at the pixellocation for the second preview image, and using the color value for thepixel at the pixel location in the combined image; and generating thethree-dimensional preview image of the garment design comprising texturemapping the combined image on a first three-dimensional model to obtainthe first three-dimensional model with textures.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein the second preview image is a two-dimensional image.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the combined image is a two-dimensional image.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the texture mapping comprises at leastone of UV mapping or projection mapping.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein combined image is a color map, and the color map comprisesgarment panels.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the garment design isfor a pair of jeans, the combined image is a color map, and the colormap comprises a first deconstructed garment section comprising a rightfront leg panel and a right back leg panel, and a second deconstructedgarment section comprising a left front leg panel and a left back legpanel.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first three-dimensionalmodel comprises at least one of an on-body model, pose model, or a flatmodel.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first three-dimensionalmodel comprises a pose model, and the method comprises: generating aplurality of two-dimensional pose images from the three-dimensional posemodel with textures based on the combined image, wherein each of thetwo-dimensional pose images is taken from the pose model with texturesat a different rotation angle or a different perspective view point, orany combination.
 9. The method of claim 8 comprising: presenting thetwo-dimensional pose images at a online shopping site, wherein acustomer can order a product from the online shopping site based on thetwo-dimensional pose images before the product has been made.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 comprising: after the product has been ordered by thecustomer, sending a request to a manufacturing facility to make theproduct.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the first three-dimensionalmodel comprises a pose model, and the method comprises: performing atexture mapping of the combined image onto a second three-dimensionalmodel to obtain the second three-dimensional model with textures,wherein the second three-dimensional model comprises a flat model;showing the two-dimensional pose images at a retail online shoppingsite, wherein a customer can order a product from the retail onlineshopping site based on the two-dimensional pose images before theproduct has been made; after the product has been ordered by thecustomer, sending a request to a manufacturing facility to make theproduct, wherein the manufacturing facility makes the product using aprocess based on the second three-dimensional model with textures orimagery of the second three-dimensional model with textures.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 comprising: generating a plurality of two-dimensionalflat images comprising a front flat view and a back flat view, from theflat model with the combined image applied as a texture map, wherein themanufacturing facility makes the product using a process based ontwo-dimensional flat images from the flat model with textures.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the garment design is for a pair of jeans,the three-dimensional preview image is a color map, and the color mapcomprises a first deconstructed garment section comprises a right frontleg panel and a right back leg panel, and a second deconstructed garmentsection comprises a left front leg panel and a left back leg panel, andthe front flat view the flat model with textures comprises a view of theright front leg panel and left front leg panel, and the back flat viewcomprises a view of the right back leg panel and left back leg panel.14. The method of claim 11 wherein the process of the manufacturingfacility comprises using a laser creating the selected finishing patternon a garment.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the process of themanufacturing facility comprises using of chemicals and abrasion tocreate the selected finishing pattern on a garment.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 wherein each finishing pattern is associated with a digitalinput file to be used by a laser to produce that finishing pattern ontoa garment.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital input file is alaser input file.
 18. The method of claim 1 comprising: allowing theuser to rotate the three-dimensional preview image of the garmentdesign.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected finishing patterncomprises damage assets.
 20. The method of claim 1 wherein the selectedfinishing pattern is a wear pattern.